NEWS & INSIGHTS
Understand what’s behind your bill.
UtilityPrices explains prices and the energy system, with original sources linked throughout. Our news watch also brings together recent government energy announcements.
Prices & data
DATED BENCHMARKS
Energy price cap October–December 2026
Ofgem price cap levels, GB average rates and a 14-region table of unit rates and standing charges.
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Energy price cap history
Every Ofgem price cap since January 2019: typical bills, GB average unit rates and standing charges, and the Energy Price Guarantee.
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Electricity price per kWh
The GB average capped electricity unit rate and standing charge, every region’s rate, annual costs by usage and business averages.
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Gas price per kWh
The GB average capped gas unit rate and standing charge, every region’s rate, annual costs by usage and business averages.
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Standing charges by region
Electricity and gas standing charges for all 14 GB price-cap regions, with yearly totals and their share of a bill.
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Average UK energy bill (2026)
Typical annual electricity, gas and dual-fuel costs under the cap, by region and usage level.
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0% VAT on household electricity
The temporary VAT zero rate on GB household electricity, 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, and what it saves.
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Business energy prices
DESNZ average business electricity and gas prices by consumption band, with basis and dates.
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Average water bills 2026/27
Household water bills by company in England and Wales, Scottish Council Tax band charges and Northern Ireland arrangements.
Latest from UtilityPrices
11 Oct 2026 · Households
Energy standing charges in October to December 2026: how they affect bills
By Molly Ashworth
Standing charges apply even on days with no energy use. For October to December 2026, Ofgem’s London electricity cap benchmark includes 42.92p a day with 0% VAT.
11 Oct 2026 · Households
Water bills in Reading for 2026/27: what Thames Water’s £658 average means
By Isla Brookes
Water UK lists Thames Water’s 2026/27 forecast average combined water and sewerage household bill at £658, £19 above the England and Wales average of £639. There is no separate water-only figure for Reading.
11 Oct 2026 · Households
Water company household bill averages for 2026/27
By Isla Brookes
Water UK’s forecast average combined household bills for 2026/27 range from £535 a year for Northumbrian Water to £759 for Southern Water in England and Wales.
10 Oct 2026 · Households
London vs South Eastern England electricity benchmarks for October to December 2026
By Molly Ashworth
For the October–December 2026 price-cap period, the regional electricity benchmark is lower in London than in South Eastern England on both the unit rate and daily standing charge. These are price-cap reference figures for eligible domestic default tariffs, not supplier quotes or a cap on a household’s final bill.
Latest official announcements
Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero via GOV.UK. These are government announcements, not independent evidence that an announced saving has already reached your bill.
What the Autumn Budget 2026 means for your energy bills
The Autumn Budget will create breathing space for families with the cost of living.
28 Oct 2026 · GOV.UKChancellor abolishes standing charges on gas bills to make payments fairer
Standing charges from household gas bills will be removed for around 23 million homes.
27 Oct 2026 · GOV.UKWarm Homes Loan Scheme: Factsheet
How the government's Warm Homes Loan scheme can help households install clean energy technology and save money on bills.
22 Oct 2026 · GOV.UKHouseholds to receive £150 Warm Home Discount confirmation letter
Millions of households in England and Wales are set to receive letters confirming £150 off their energy bills this winter.
13 Oct 2026 · GOV.UKStronger protections for heating oil customers
Reforms to the heating oil sector are being planned to ensure stronger regulation and protections for consumers
29 Sept 2026 · GOV.UKGreat British Grid to speed up connections and cut bills
Families and businesses across the country will benefit from faster grid connections.
Useful guides
The grid explained
Does wind power make your energy bill cheaper?
By Sam Thornbury
A windy day. A greener grid. But a cheaper bill?
Why a windy day or a greener generation mix does not instantly change the price on your bill, what does set it, and where wind fits into the price cap.
Know your bill
Unit rates and standing charges explained
By Molly Ashworth
The two numbers that tell you what you’re paying.
What a unit rate and a standing charge are, how they vary across the 14 GB regions, and how to turn them into an annual cost, with current price-cap examples.
Business energy
Business energy benchmarks: how to compare your price
By Owen Fairley
How to use a benchmark without mistaking it for a quote.
Published business energy averages describe prices paid across existing contracts. Here is how to use the government benchmark to judge your own price.