Calculations use Ofgem price-cap rates for 1 July – 30 September 2026: electricity 26.11p/kWh and 57.19p/day, gas 7.33p/kWh and 29.04p/day.
1 Your annual usage
Ofgem's "typical household" is 2,700 kWh. A recent bill or your smart meter app has your real figure.
kWh per year
Typical household: 11,500 kWh.
kWh per year (0 if no gas)
2 Tariff A (your current tariff)
Q3 2026 cap: ~26.11p
p/kWh
Q3 2026 cap: ~57.19p
p/day
Q3 2026 cap: ~7.33p
p/kWh
Q3 2026 cap: ~29.04p
p/day
3 Tariff B (the one you're comparing)
p/kWh
Low-standing-charge tariffs trade a cheaper day rate for pricier units.
p/day
p/kWh
p/day
Your estimated savings
£0
Tariff A per year
£0
Tariff B per year
£0
Difference per year
Standing charge share (A)
Cheaper tariff at your usage–
Tariff A standing charges–
Why standing charges matter more for low users
| Household | Annual usage (elec + gas) | Standing charges/year | Share of total bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low user (small flat, out all day) | 1,800 + 7,000 kWh | ~£340 | ~30% |
| Typical household | 2,700 + 11,500 kWh | ~£340 | ~19% |
| High user (large house, home all day) | 4,100 + 17,000 kWh | ~£340 | ~14% |
Standing charges are flat: about £315 a year at the Q3 2026 cap whether you use a little or a lot. The less you use, the bigger the slice they take, and the more a low-standing-charge tariff can save you.
Assumptions and limitations
- Annual cost = (usage × unit rate) + (365 × daily standing charge), per fuel. VAT is already in capped rates; quoted tariffs normally include it too.
- Defaults are the Ofgem Q3 2026 price cap. Fixed deals and low-standing-charge tariffs vary, copy the exact rates from the quote.
- Breakeven point: if a tariff has a lower standing charge but higher unit rate, there is a usage level where the two tariffs cost the same. Below it the low-standing tariff wins.
- Economy 7 and EV tariffs have two unit rates and need a different comparison, this tool models single-rate tariffs.
Sources and review
Ofgem price cap rates and typical domestic consumption values, ofgem.gov.uk
Reviewed by BetterHomeEnergy Research Team, July 2026. Editorial policy →
Reviewed by BetterHomeEnergy Research Team, July 2026. Editorial policy →
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