If your energy bills are creeping up and you’re not sure why, you’re not alone. With rising household costs, many are asking: are electricity prices going up? The answer, in short, is yes—and energy prices fluctuate for a range of reasons. That’s why doing a proper energy comparison has never been more important. Whether you're switching tariffs or just want to understand the electricity cost per kilowatt hour UK households pay, this guide breaks it all down in plain English.
We’ll explain unit pricing, compare rates, and show you what’s fair—so you can confidently choose the best energy deal for your small home.
Let’s start with the most asked question: how much does electricity cost? In the UK, it’s usually measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). A kilowatt hour is simply a unit of energy—roughly what a 1,000-watt appliance uses in an hour.
So if you’re wondering how much is 1 kWh of electricity or how much is a kWh of electricity—you’re usually looking at something between 27p and 32p depending on supplier and location.
Fixed energy tariffs offer price stability for 12–24 months. That means the electricity rate per kWh and standing charges won’t change during the contract. It’s a great choice if you want predictability—especially when electricity prices per kWh are trending upward.
When doing an energy comparison, it’s wise to check whether the kWh electricity cost UK suppliers are offering is fixed or flexible.
While electricity gets most of the attention, gas prices matter too. A proper gas price comparison can also save you a fortune—especially if you use gas heating.
Still wondering how much is gas per kWh UK or how much is gas in the UK? The above figures provide a good benchmark, though rates differ slightly by region and provider.
When did British Gas prices go up?
Featured Snippet Answer (under 100 words):
British Gas last increased its standard tariff rates in line with the Ofgem energy price cap update in April 2024. Unit rates rose by around 5% on average due to wholesale price fluctuations and changes in network charges. Further changes are expected with each quarterly review.
The price per kWh UK households pay can vary, but here are some typical examples as of this year:
This gives you a rough estimate of the power cost per kWh and helps you assess your current bill.
Here’s how to compare energy prices and make the right decision for your new home:
How much does energy cost in the UK varies by usage and supplier. But on average:
Factoring in both standing charges and usage, the UK energy cost per kWh works out higher than the base rate alone.
Yes, unfortunately. Are electricity prices going up is a question many households are asking. The answer depends on the wholesale market and energy price cap updates. In April 2024, rates went up slightly due to global demand and supply constraints.
Wondering what the kilowatt price UK households are paying really means for your wallet? Here’s how to stay in control:
With so many factors influencing your bill—unit price, standing charges, fixed vs variable tariffs—doing an energy comparison is your best step towards saving money. Whether you’re looking to understand the power price per kWh, assess fixed energy tariffs, or check how much gas per kWh you’re paying, being informed helps you act.
Now’s the time to review your tariff and see if you can cut costs.
Take 10 minutes, grab your latest bill, and compare. It could save you hundreds over the next year—and with rising costs, every penny counts.
Still unsure? Let us know your questions and we’ll help you make sense of it all.
