Data sources

£0.2611/kWh is Ofgem’s average capped electricity unit rate for standard variable tariffs paid by Direct Debit in England, Scotland and Wales, valid from 1 July to 30 September 2026. It includes 5% VAT and excludes the separate standing charge. It is not an average across all contracts and does not apply to Northern Ireland. Use your own tariff where available.

Electricity price

Enter the unit rate including any applicable tax. Check your bill rather than adding a tax percentage automatically. Standing charges, export payments and subscription fees are separate. Ofgem information applies to Great Britain; Northern Ireland has its own regulator and market arrangements.

United Kingdom

For a UK appliance calculation, use the unit rate in pence per kWh from your tariff and convert it to pounds. Keep any daily standing charge separate: using the kettle less does not usually remove that charge. A monthly Direct Debit is a payment towards your account, so it should not be treated as your measured electricity use for that month.

A tumble dryer comparison is most useful when both options dry the same amount of laundry. For a fridge-freezer, use its energy label or measured kWh rather than assuming its compressor draws full power all day. If you charge an electric car on a time-of-use tariff, calculate the charging sessions at the relevant rate and include charging losses.

Data sources

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08