Estimate an electricity and gas bill using Ofgem’s average Direct Debit cap rates for 1 October to 31 December 2026.
These are Great Britain average Direct Debit figures. Your regional rates, meter type, payment method and tariff may differ.
How to use the Energy Price Cap Calculator
Enter electricity and gas consumption in kWh for a chosen billing period, then enter the number of days in that period. Enter zero gas usage for an electricity-only home. The calculator applies the current average unit rates and daily standing charges.
Ofgem cap rates used
| Fuel | Unit rate | Daily standing charge |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 26.32p per kWh | 54.83p per day |
| Gas | 7.97p per kWh | 29.68p per day |
These average Direct Debit rates apply from 1 October to 31 December 2026 across England, Scotland and Wales. Ofgem’s published electricity figure excludes VAT during the temporary zero-VAT period, while the gas figure includes 5% VAT.
The price cap is not a total-bill limit
The cap limits unit rates and standing charges on protected standard variable tariffs. It does not cap the final amount a household can pay. Higher usage produces a higher bill, and lower usage produces a lower bill.
Why your tariff may differ
Actual rates depend on region, payment method, meter type and supplier. Fixed tariffs are not changed by the cap during their fixed term. Economy 7 and other multi-rate tariffs use different peak and off-peak rates, so this single-rate estimate may not match them.
Related energy calculators
Calculate appliance usage with the Electricity Cost Calculator UK, review construction emissions with the Embodied Carbon Calculator, or estimate reductions using the Home Energy Savings Calculator. Browse all tools on the United Kingdom Calculator homepage.
Check the latest regional and payment-method figures on Ofgem’s energy price cap rates page.
Frequently asked questions
Is £1,723 the most any household can pay?
No. It is an annualised typical-household illustration. The price cap limits rates, not the total bill.
What period do these rates cover?
They apply from 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Are standing charges included?
Yes. The daily electricity and gas standing charges are multiplied by the entered days.
Can I use this for a fixed tariff?
You can compare costs, but fixed-tariff rates should be entered in a tariff-specific calculation because the cap does not directly set them.
Does this apply in Northern Ireland?
No. Ofgem’s Great Britain price cap covers England, Scotland and Wales, not Northern Ireland.