Average gas and electricity usage

The energy price cap and the government’s Energy Price Guarantee set a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge consumers for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use. These ensure that prices for customers on default energy tariffs are fair.  

The Energy Price Guarantee is a temporary measure introduced by government to protect consumers from significant increases in wholesale gas prices. Read about the Energy Price Guarantee on GOV.UK. 

We set the level of the energy price cap every three months.  

The price cap and the Energy Price Guarantee are calculated using Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs), which give consumers an idea of the average energy use of different households. These values are also useful for comparing energy prices and are often used to estimate the quotes on supplier and price comparison websites. 

Understanding average use for gas and electricity 

Gas and electricity bills are calculated partly on how much energy you use, as well as things like network and wholesale costs. Your usage depends on many factors, including: 

• the size of your home 

• the energy efficiency of your home 

• how many people live in your home 

• the energy efficiency of your appliances and how often you use them 

• your health 

Kilowatt hours 

Energy usage is calculated in kilowatt hours (kWh), sometimes also called ‘units’. One kWh is enough to power a 100-watt lightbulb for 10 hours. 

Some other examples from around your home:  

• fridge-freezer: expect to use 1 kWh in 26 hours 

• electric oven: expect to use 2 kWh for 30 minutes of use 

• tumble dryer: expect to use 4.5 kWh in a single cycle 

These examples are based on typical appliance appliances. Individual appliances can vary.  

Ofgem estimates the typical household in Britain uses 2,900 kWh of electricity and 12,000 kWh of gas in a year.  

 Typical Domestic Consumption 

Caps on energy prices, like the Energy Price Cap or the Energy Price Guarantee, limit the cost of energy per kWh. Sometimes the typical values below are used to explain what bills might look like for homes with low, medium and high energy use. 

Typical values 

The energy price cap is calculated using the values below. 

These figures are examples of average energy usage. Your bill may differ as your usage may be higher or lower. 

Find out more about the energy price cap. 

Find out more about the Priority Services Register, a free support service that makes sure extra help is available for people in a vulnerable situation. 

Guidance on reducing energy use and preventing heat loss.