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What is the energy price cap?
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What are the energy price guarantee unit rates?
What you're paying for energy from 1 January
Updated 23 January 2023
The energy price guarantee came in on 1 October 2022 across England, Scotland and Wales for the vast majority, who are on standard tariffs. It's an average 27% higher than the price cap in place before 1 October 2022, and will last until at least April 2023. Yet there's no total cap on what you pay – instead, it's a standing charge and unit rate cap. This means if you use more energy, you'll pay more. This guide has the unit rates and standing charges region-by-region.
Rates have changed from 1 January 2023, with rises for those who prepay and who pay on receipt of bills
Update Tuesday 3 January: The Government has now confirmed the level of discount it will apply to bills, to keep costs at the promised level of about £2,500/year for a typical household until April 2023. While there's little change for most on direct debit, those paying via other means may pay more. We've full unit rates below, and see our region-by-region round-up for whose rates will rise the most.
There are regional variations and they also vary depending on how you pay, so this guide has those rates. And for a rough estimate of what you should be paying if you're on direct debit, see our Check your direct debit is right calculator.
The energy price guarantee unit rates & standing charges
Here are the average unit rates for dual-fuel customers paying by direct debit under the Government's new energy price guarantee...
On Eco 7, Eco 10 or other non-standard tariff? Firms should reduce tariffs so the reduction works on the weighted average of the combined rates (about 4p per kilowatt hour for gas and 17p per kilowatt hour for electric), but it's up to firms how they implement this, so we can't say for certain what the rates you'll pay are.
Energy price guarantee rates from 1 Jan 2023 |
Energy price guarantee rates from 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2022 |
|
| Gas | No change to average rates | Unit rate: 10.33p per kilowatt hour (kWh)
Standing charge: 28.49p per day |
| Electricity | No change to average rates | Unit rate: 34.04p per kWh
Standing charge: 46.36p per day |
| Rates and standing charges are averages, which vary by region. Assumes payment via direct debit and includes VAT (at 5%). For those who pay each month after getting a bill, it's typically 6% higher. | ||
| Energy price guarantee rates from 1 Jan 2023 | Energy price guarantee rates from 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2022 | |
| Gas | Unit rate: 10.82p per kWh Standing charge: 37.51p per day |
Unit rate: 10.63p per kWh Standing charge: 37.51p per day |
| Electricity | Unit rate: 33p per kWh Standing charge: 51.41p per day |
Unit rate: 33.08p per kWh Standing charge: 51.41p per day |
| Rates and standing charges are averages, which vary by region. Assumes payment via prepayment meter and includes VAT (at 5%). | ||
ON RECEIPT OF A BILL: What are the average standing charges and unit rates for gas and electricity?
Energy price guarantee rates from 1 Jan 2023 |
Energy price guarantee rates from 1 Oct 2022 |
|
| Gas | Unit rate: 11.27p per kWh
Standing charge: 33.54p per day |
Unit rate: 11.12p per kWh
Standing charge: 33.54p per day |
| Electricity | Unit rate: 37.67p per kWh
Standing charge: 52.40p per day |
Unit rate: 36.80p per kWh
Standing charge: 52.40p per day |
| Rates and standing charges are averages, which vary by region. Assumes payment on receipt of a bill and includes VAT (at 5%). | ||
Energy crisis need-to-knows
Here's what you need to know about your energy bill changes and how best to keep costs down.
- All households will receive a £400 energy bill rebate. It'll be paid over six months from October, but exactly how you'll be paid depends on your supplier and how you pay for your energy bills. See How major energy suppliers will pay your £400 grant.
- Struggling to pay? Check out what help is (and isn't) available. Too many people risk the awful choice between heating and eating. Our Energy bills – struggling to pay? guide covers options and where to get help.
- The other way to cut bills is, obviously, to use less. Our Energy saving tips help with the simpler stuff, such as turning your thermostat down and adjusting boiler settings. But other ways aren't as clear-cut, such as whether to leave the heating on low all day in the winter – we've the pros and cons of this and more in our Energy mythbusting guide.
- How does the energy price guarantee and energy price cap work? For full info, see our energy price guarantee need-to-knows and energy price cap FAQ.
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