Current Electricity Rate in the UK
The Ofgem price cap sets the maximum electricity rate at 26.32p per kWh for Q4 2026.
For the period 1 October to 31 December 2026, Ofgem sets the maximum electricity unit rate at 26.32p per kilowatt-hour [S1]. This is the rate that applies to standard variable tariffs.
Fixed-rate deals may offer different rates. Some time-of-use tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Octopus Agile, offer cheaper rates during off-peak periods but higher rates at peak times.
- Standard variable rate: 26.32p/kWh [S1]
- Fixed-rate deals: varies by supplier and term
- Off-peak tariffs: cheaper at night, higher in peak hours
- Prepayment meters: slightly different cap applies
What Is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?
A kilowatt-hour is the unit energy suppliers use to measure and charge for electricity.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the amount of energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. It is the standard unit of measurement on UK electricity bills [S2].
For example, a 100-watt light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh. A 2,000-watt kettle running for 30 minutes uses 1 kWh. Understanding this unit helps you estimate running costs for any appliance.
- 1 kW = 1,000 watts
- 1 kWh = 1,000 watts used for 1 hour
- A 100W bulb for 10 hours = 1 kWh
- A 2kW kettle for 30 minutes = 1 kWh
How to Calculate Electricity Cost
Divide watts by 1,000, multiply by hours used, then multiply by the unit rate.
The formula to calculate the cost of running any electrical appliance is straightforward [S2]: cost = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × unit rate. At 26.32p/kWh, a 100-watt appliance running for 1 hour costs approximately 2.6p.
Standing charges are added separately. The daily standing charge applies regardless of whether you use any electricity that day. Regional standing charges typically range from 40p to 60p per day.
- Formula: (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × unit rate
- Example: 100W × 1 hour × 26.32p = 2.63p
- Example: 2,000W × 0.5 hours × 26.32p = 26.32p
- Standing charge: additional daily fixed cost
| Appliance | Wattage | 1 Hour Cost | Weekly Cost (1hr/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED light bulb | 10W | 0.26p | 1.84p |
| Television | 100W | 2.63p | 18.41p |
| Washing machine | 2,100W | 55.27p | £3.87 |
| Electric kettle | 3,000W | 78.96p | £5.53 |
| Electric oven | 2,000W | 52.64p | £3.68 |
Standing Charges Explained
Standing charges are daily fixed costs added to your electricity bill regardless of usage.
Standing charges cover the cost of maintaining the energy network, meter reading, and other fixed supplier costs [S1]. You pay them every day whether you use electricity or not.
Ofgem sets maximum standing charges as part of the price cap. These vary by region and typically range from 40p to 60p per day for electricity. Over a year, standing charges can add £150 to £220 to your bill before any usage charges.
- Paid daily regardless of usage
- Covers network maintenance and supplier fixed costs
- Varies by region across the UK
- Set by Ofgem as part of the price cap
Regional Variations
Electricity unit rates and standing charges vary depending on where you live in the UK.
Although the unit rate cap is the same nationwide, standing charges and some regional factors mean your bill can differ depending on your location [S1]. Areas served by different distribution networks may have slightly different charges.
Scottish households and those in remote areas sometimes face higher standing charges due to the cost of maintaining infrastructure over larger distances.
- Unit rate is the same across the UK
- Standing charges vary by distribution region
- Remote areas may face higher standing charges
- Your bill shows your specific regional charges
Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Cost
Use appliances efficiently, switch off standby power, and consider time-of-use tariffs.
Understanding the cost per kWh helps you make informed decisions about energy use. Switching off appliances on standby, using energy-efficient models, and running high-energy appliances during off-peak hours can all reduce costs [S3].
Time-of-use tariffs such as Economy 7 offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically overnight). If you can shift washing or charging to these periods, you could pay as little as 10-15p per kWh instead of 26.32p [S3].
- Turn off appliances on standby
- Use energy-efficient appliances (A-rated or above)
- Consider time-of-use tariffs for overnight use
- Use a smart meter to track real-time usage
Frequently asked questions
What is the current electricity cost per kWh in the UK?
The current Ofgem-capped rate is 26.32p per kWh for Q4 2026 (1 October to 31 December 2026) [S1].
How do I calculate how much an appliance costs to run?
Divide the appliance wattage by 1,000, multiply by hours used, then multiply by the unit rate (26.32p). For example, a 100W appliance running for 1 hour costs about 2.6p [S2].
What is a standing charge?
A standing charge is a fixed daily fee on your electricity bill that covers the cost of supplying energy to your home, regardless of how much you use [S1].
Does the electricity rate change by region?
The unit rate cap is the same across the UK, but standing charges and some distribution costs vary by region [S1].
Bottom line
The current UK electricity cost per kWh is 26.32p under the Ofgem Q4 2026 price cap [S1]. Use the formula (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × rate to calculate appliance running costs. Standing charges are additional and vary by region.
Sources
Sources are shown so readers can check time-sensitive or factual claims directly.
- S1 Ofgem Energy Price Cap — Ofgem
- S2 Energy Saving Trust: Understand your energy bill — Energy Saving Trust
- S3 Ofgem: Energy bills explained — Ofgem