Every major comparison site earns commission when you switch — meaning their results are ranked by who pays them most, not who's cheapest for you. EnergyWatch shows you the real numbers, explains exactly what you're paying for, and links you directly to suppliers.
✓ No affiliate links✓ Real usage calculator✓ Standing charge transparencyWhat others hideBill breakdown by cost typeHonest fix vs variable guide
Ofgem Price Cap · Apr–Jun 2026
£1,641
Typical dual-fuel household · Direct debit · England, Scotland & Wales
Electricity unit rate24.67p/kWh
Electricity standing charge57.21p/day
Gas unit rate5.74p/kWh
Gas standing charge29.09p/day
↓ 6.6% from Jan–Mar 2026 cap of £1,758. Source: Ofgem, 25 Feb 2026. Rates are national averages inc. 5% VAT. Your actual rates vary by region and payment method.
Section 1
Your real bill — based on your actual usage
The £1,641 cap figure assumes 2,700 kWh electricity and 11,500 kWh gas per year — Ofgem's "typical" household. Most households are not typical. Enter your actual usage from your bill to see your real cost.
Standing charges are what you pay before using a single unit of energy. At 57.21p/day electricity + 29.09p/day gas, you're paying over £313/year just to be connected.
Section 2
Price cap history — are we at a high or low?
The current cap of £1,641 is 35% above pre-energy-crisis levels (Winter 2021/22: ~£1,200), but well below the peak Energy Price Guarantee of £2,500. Context matters when deciding whether to fix.
Annual cap (£/yr)
Energy Price Guarantee period
Source: Ofgem. Figures are for typical dual-fuel DD household.
Forecast (Q3 2026): Wholesale gas prices rose ~75% in early April 2026, suggesting the cap could rise 8–12% in July 2026 (EDF/British Gas/E.ON forecasting services, March 2026). This makes current fixed tariffs worth considering for bill certainty.
Section 3
Supplier comparison — no commission, no ranking games
These results are ordered by estimated annual cost, not by who pays us. We receive zero commission from any supplier. Figures are based on the Ofgem typical household (2,700 kWh elec, 11,500 kWh gas, direct debit). Your actual cost will vary — use the calculator above with your own usage first.
Figures are estimates based on Ofgem typical consumption for direct debit customers, April 2026. Your actual tariff rates vary by region, usage, and meter type. Always get a personalised quote from the supplier directly. Trustpilot scores as of April 2026.
Section 4 — What others don't show you
What you're actually paying for
Your electricity bill has seven components. Most comparison sites show you just one number. Here's where your money actually goes on a typical electricity bill:
⚡
Wholesale energy
~36%
The actual cost of buying electricity on wholesale markets. Fell 44% since Feb 2025 peak — but this hasn't fully fed through to bills yet.
🔌
Network charges
~24%
Pays for the wires, pylons and local grid that deliver power to your home. Rose in Apr 2026 to fund NESO infrastructure upgrades.
🌱
Policy & green levies
~15%
Funds renewables, warm homes discount, ECO scheme. Cut by ~£150/yr in Apr 2026 — the government moved these costs to general taxation.
📊
Standing charges
~14%
Fixed daily cost regardless of usage. £313+/year before you use a single unit. Disproportionately burdens low-energy users.
🏢
Supplier operating costs
~7%
Staff, billing, meters, customer service. Varies significantly by supplier — one reason Octopus can undercut British Gas.
💰
Supplier profit (EBIT)
~2%
Ofgem allows suppliers a regulated profit margin. Currently a small component — but it exists within every tariff.
🏛️
VAT
5%
Domestic energy has a reduced 5% VAT rate (not 20%). Applies to both unit rates and standing charges.
Section 5
Should you fix? An honest guide.
✓ Fix if...
You want certainty — fixed means no bill surprises for 12–24 months
The fix is cheaper than the current cap right now (E.ON Next at ~£1,554 is £87 below cap)
Forecasts suggest the cap will rise — Jul 2026 is predicted to rise 8–12% due to wholesale gas spike
You have a smart meter (required for most current fixed tariffs)
You're a higher user — savings are proportionally larger
~ Stay variable if...
You want flexibility — no exit fees, switch anytime
You expect prices to fall further — variable tracks the cap down
You're on Octopus Flexible, which is already below the cap
You plan to move house within 12 months
The fix premium is significant (check exit fees too)
April 2026 verdict: With the price cap at £1,641 and several fixes available cheaper than this — and wholesale gas prices jumping ~75% in early April suggesting a Jul 2026 cap rise of 8–12% — locking in a competitive fixed tariff now provides both immediate savings and protection against a likely Q3 rise. The E.ON Next 18m fix at ~£1,554 saves roughly £87/year versus the cap immediately. Always check the exact rates for your region using the supplier's own quote tool.
Section 6
Savings you can make today — with real numbers
🌡️
Turn thermostat down 1°C
~250 kWh saved~£43/yr
One degree less makes almost no perceptible difference to comfort but saves significant gas. The easiest saving of all.
💡
Switch to LED bulbs
~200 kWh saved~£49/yr
LED bulbs use ~75% less electricity than halogen. A full home switch pays back within months at current electricity prices.
🫖
Boil only what you need
~60 kWh saved~£15/yr
The average UK household overfills the kettle twice a day. Measuring water saves energy and time. Small habit, real money.
🌊
Shorter showers (1 min less)
~100 kWh saved~£22/yr
Hot water heating accounts for ~25% of the average gas bill. One minute less per person per day adds up significantly in a household.
🕐
Shift washing to off-peak
~130 kWh savings~£30/yr
On time-of-use tariffs (Octopus Agile, E.ON Smart Saver), off-peak rates from 11pm–6am can be 5–12p/kWh vs 25p+ at peak.
🔌
Kill standby devices
~80 kWh saved~£20/yr
TVs, consoles, phone chargers and smart speakers on standby collectively cost the average household ~£20/yr. Smart plugs make this easy.
🏠
Loft insulation (if missing)
~1,200 kWh saved~£150/yr
25% of home heat escapes through the roof. Loft insulation costs ~£300 and lasts 40 years. Check if you qualify for a free ECO4 installation.
📱
Get a smart meter
Avg ~130 kWh saved~£40/yr
Households with smart meters reduce usage by 3–5% on average just from being able to see consumption in real time. Free to install — ask your supplier.
Section 7 — Don't miss what you're entitled to
Financial support available right now
Billions of pounds of energy support goes unclaimed every year. Check each scheme — you may be entitled to more than you think.
🌡️ Warm Home Discount
£150 off
Automatic discount on electricity bill for households receiving Pension Credit Guarantee. Also available for low-income households — eligibility based on postcode and income.
For people born before 23 September 1958. Now means-tested — only available to those receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits from winter 2024/25.
If you're elderly, disabled, or have a medical condition, register for priority support including advance notice of planned power cuts, password schemes, and free meter reads.
Local council grants for energy bills, food, and essentials. Available to households in financial hardship — not limited to benefit claimants. Contact your local council.