Average Monthly Electric Bill UK

While it’s hard to pinpoint an “average” electric bill for all of the UK, exploring the typical costs based on house size can help us better understand how much most households pay for their energy.

Learn what an average bill looks like for your energy usage level, what factors impact the cost of a gas and electricity bill, and ways to reduce your monthly expenses by implementing alternative power solutions.

What Is the Average Monthly Energy Bill in the UK by House Size?

One of the best ways to gauge an “average” monthly UK energy bill is to understand how house size impacts the energy used and, thus, the associated costs. Ofgem, the UK’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, provides data on the annual estimates of energy usage and bill cost by house size.

By multiplying the kWh usage of each household by the current average unit rates, plus average standing charges, we can see an estimated cost for both monthly and annual bills.

What Is the Average Electricity Bill in the UK per Month?

The average monthly electricity bill in the UK is £73.41, according to Ofgem’s definition of a typical UK household (2-3 people). This typical household consumes around 2,700 kWh of electricity annually, which translates to 225 kWh monthly.

Note that this figure assumes the household also uses gas power. If the household uses only electricity, then electricity costs would be much higher, as the home would still need to be heated.

This monthly calculation uses a standing charge of 60.99p per day x 30 days of usage = £18.29. It adds this to the total consumption (24.50p per kWh x 225 kWh electricity = £55.12) to get a total of £73.41.

What Is the Average Monthly Gas Bill in the UK?

The average monthly gas bill in the UK is £69.20, following the same calculation for a 2-3 bedroom home. It estimates that 11,500 kWh of gas is used yearly, or 960 kWh per month.

It uses a monthly standing charge of £9.40 plus the cost of 960 kWh of gas, which is £59.80.

What Factors Influence the Cost of the Average Gas and Electricity Bill?

Gas and electricity expenses in the UK can be influenced by the total energy used by the household, changes to the energy price cap, and seasonal differences.

A large home with a family will likely use more energy than a small flat for one person because there is more space to heat, more rooms to illuminate, and more equipment throughout. There are also more people in the home, which requires more energy for additional showering, dish cleaning, etc.

Additionally, if the price cap increases, average costs will rise, and vice versa if price caps drop. Moving to a different tariff may also change your cost – a fixed-rate tariff isn’t subject to a price cap, but the tariff may be higher or lower in a new location.

Seasonal differences also come into play, with much lower bills in the summer when the daylight lasts longer and heating isn’t required. They’re higher in the summer, which sees more darkness and requires heating.

How Is an Energy Bill Calculated?

Several costs and factors play into your monthly energy bill’s calculation.

  • Your Tariff - Your tariff sets the price you pay for each unit of energy used and the daily standing charge.
  • The Energy You Consume - The more energy you consume, the more you’ll owe on your monthly energy bill.
  • Your Location - Britain has some of the highest electricity costs in the world, but certain areas in the UK will pay more than others for their energy because it may be more costly to deliver power to your region, such as rural areas.
  • Payment Option - Customers who pay monthly via an automatic debit system can save some money on their bills, while those who pay manually may pay a little more.

How Can You Reduce Home Energy Bills?

Work strategically to reduce your home energy bills with these tips:

  • Find a cheaper energy tariff - See if you’d pay less by moving to a different energy supplier.
  • Install a smart home energy solution - After paying the upfront cost of a smart home energy solution that leverages renewable solar power, you can supplement your grid use with the energy you generate and store it on-site. The EcoFlow PowerOcean (Three-Phase) or EcoFlow PowerOcean (Single-Phase) are great safety and power independence options that seamlessly integrate into your home. Or, consider the EcoFlow PowerHeat, an air-to-water heat pump that turns solar into ambient heat for your house.
  • Reduce your energy consumption - The less energy you use from the grid, the better. Reducing the total energy consumed is the best way to save money. Turn off lights, unplug appliances, adjust your thermostat by 1-2 degrees, and minimise how much electricity you rely on at home.
  • Add insulation - A well-insulated home will lose less heat or cool air, allowing your systems to work more efficiently and minimising the required power. Consider extra wall insulation and sealing off doors and windows.
  • Use eco-friendly appliances - Energy-efficient and eco-friendly appliances can also help you minimise power use.

What to Do if You Are Struggling With Energy Bills

If you’re struggling with the cost of your monthly energy bills, your first line of defence should be reducing your usage as much as possible. It means turning off lights when not in use, unplugging devices and appliances rather than leaving them in standby mode, using natural daylight instead of artificial lights, and shifting power-intensive tasks to off-peak hours.

You could also consider alternative power sources that won’t pull from the grid, such as a solar generator or integrated whole-home backup solution.

Finally, always contact your supplier before missing a payment to see how they can help. Ask about available payment plans that can help you pay down your balance or inquire about funds designed to help those in need with their electricity costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Much Electricity Does a UK Household Use Monthly?
    The average UK household, consisting of approximately 2.4 people in a 2-3 bedroom home, uses approximately 225 kWh of electricity per month, totalling around £73.41. Note that this does not include gas costs, and this electricity cost assumes a dual-fuel household.
  • What Is the Average Energy Bill for a 3 Bedroom House?
    The average UK household, consisting of approximately 2.4 people in a 2-3 bedroom home, uses approximately 225 kWh of electricity per month, totalling around £73.41. Note that this does not include gas costs, and this electricity cost assumes a dual-fuel household.

What Is the Average Energy Bill for a 3 Bedroom House?

The average monthly energy bill for a 3-4 bedroom home with a medium consumption level is £143.10, or £1,717.27 annually. This includes costs for a dual-fuel home that uses both gas and electricity.

Final Thoughts

The average UK monthly electric bill varies based on how large the home is, how many people live in it, how energy-efficient it is, and the season and location. By understanding the average energy costs in the UK, you can see where your household’s consumption lies and start employing tactics to reduce your costs if necessary.

The best ways to save on your monthly power bill include switching to a smart home energy solution like the EcoFlow Power Ocean (Three-Phase) or EcoFlow Power Ocean (Single-Phase, investing in more efficient appliances and A/C systems, and reducing your overall energy use. Try a few strategies and see what works for you.

EcoFlow

EcoFlow offers innovative home battery storage solutions for homeowners seeking to optimize electricity consumption, cut costs, and achieve independence from the National Grid. Since 2017, EcoFlow’s home battery storage and solar generator solutions have been trusted by households in over 85 countries worldwide. EcoFlow's industry-leading home battery technology is designed to efficiently store electricity generated from solar energy and other sources to attain energy security and eliminate peak billing tariffs.