How much gas and electricity does a typical household use?

BBCGas and electrical energy costs are anticipated to rise barely throughout the autumn and winter months, after a brand new power worth cap takes impact on 1 October.The rise comes after a fall at the beginning of July, however there are considerations that payments stay unaffordable for some.The power worth cap units the utmost quantity prospects will be charged for every unit of power, however precise payments rely on how a lot fuel and electrical energy you employ.What’s the power worth cap and the way is it altering?The power worth cap covers round 21 million households in England, Wales and Scotland and is ready each three months by Ofgem.It fixes the utmost worth that may be charged for every unit of power on a regular – or default – variable tariff for a typical dual-fuel family which pays by direct debit.Since July, this has meant the annual invoice for a dual-fuel direct debit family utilizing a typical quantity of power has been £1,720 a yr, down £129 a yr on the earlier cap.Between 1 July and 30 September 2025, fuel costs are capped at 6.33p per kilowatt hour (kWh) and electrical energy at 25.73p per kWh.Those that pay their payments each three months by money or cheque pay extra, however these on prepayment meters pay rather less.The cap doesn’t apply in Northern Eire, which has its personal power market.What’s a typical family?Your power invoice is determined by the general quantity of fuel and electrical energy you employ, and the way you pay for it.The kind of property you reside in, how power environment friendly it’s, how many individuals reside there and the climate all make a distinction.The Ofgem cap is predicated on a “typical family” utilizing 11,500 kWh of fuel and a couple of,700 kWh of electrical energy a yr with a single invoice for fuel and electrical energy, settled by direct debit.The overwhelming majority of individuals pay their invoice this fashion to assist unfold funds throughout the yr. Those that pay each three months by money or cheque are charged extra.Ought to I take a meter studying when the power cap modifications?Submitting a meter studying when the cap modifications means you aren’t charged for estimated utilization on the mistaken price.That is particularly necessary when costs go up.Prospects with working sensible meters don’t must submit a studying as their invoice is calculated mechanically.What is occurring to prepayment prospects?About 4 million households had prepayment meters in January 2025, in accordance with Ofgem.Since 1 July, these prospects have been paying barely lower than these on direct debit, with a typical annual invoice of £1,672.Getty ImagesMany pre-payment meters have been in place for years, however some had been put in extra just lately after prospects struggled to pay greater payments.Guidelines launched in November 2023 imply suppliers should give prospects extra alternative to clear their money owed earlier than switching them to a meter. They can’t be put in in any respect in sure households.Can I repair my power costs?Fastened-price offers are usually not affected by the power worth cap, which modifications each three months and may rise and fall. They provide certainty for a set interval – typically a yr, or longer – but when power costs drop if you end up on the deal, you may be caught at the next worth. You may additionally need to pay a penalty to depart a set deal early when you change your thoughts. Ofgem, the power regulator, says prospects who need the safety of realizing what their invoice will probably be ought to take into account transferring to a set deal. Nonetheless, it says they need to be sure that they perceive all the prices.Martin Lewis, founding father of Cash Saving Skilled, recommends checking whole-of-market power worth comparability websites to assist discover the perfect deal.What are standing fees and the way are they altering?What assist can I get with power payments?The Family Assist Fund, which was launched in September 2021 to assist weak prospects, has been prolonged till March 2026.The Heat House Low cost scheme can be being overhauled. From winter 2025, anybody on means-tested advantages will mechanically see £150 taken off their payments, it doesn’t matter what measurement of property they reside in.The federal government’s Gasoline Direct Scheme may help individuals to repay an power debt immediately from their profit funds.As well as, suppliers should provide prospects inexpensive cost plans or reimbursement holidays if they’re combating payments.Most suppliers additionally provide hardship grants.