Average gas and electricity usage

Information on average gas and electricity usage and how it is calculated.

The energy price cap sets 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.  

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

The price cap is 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 appliances. Individual appliances can vary.  

We estimate the typical household in England, Scotland and Wales uses 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas in a year.  

Typical Domestic Consumption 

Caps on energy prices, like the Energy Price Cap, 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. 

Energy Use Example – home type and number of residents Typical annual gas use (kWh) Typical annual electricity use (kWh) Typical annual electricity use (multi-rate, such as Economy 7) (kWh)
Low Flat or 1-bedroom house; 1 to 2 people 7,500 1,800 2,200
Medium 2-3 bedroom house; 2 to 3 people 11,500 2,700 3,900
High 4+ bedroom home; 4 to 5 people 17,000 4,100 6,700

These figures are examples of average energy usage. Your bill may be higher or lower depending on how much energy you use.

The amount you are charged by your energy supplier will also depend on where you live. Get energy price cap standing charges and unit rates by region.

We review the Typical Domestic Consumption Values every two years to assess any trend on energy consumption among household. Read about the review and the recent change to how we calculate Typical Domestic Consumption Values.

These typical values are used to estimate the annual amount that would be charged to a typical household who pay by Direct Debit and is on standard variable tariff. 

Read about the energy price cap.

Find out if you are eligible to be added to 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.