# What is the energy unit rate?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## In short

The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas or electricity you use — multiplied by usage and added to the daily standing charge to make your bill. Ofgem caps unit rates on default tariffs each quarter.

From July 2026 typical capped unit rates are roughly 25p/kWh electricity and 6p/kWh gas — varies by region and payment method.

Low users pay more per kWh effectively because standing charges dominate. High users benefit from comparing unit rate more than standing charge.

Use our energy tariff comparator and standing charge vs unit rate answer.

## Related

- [Standing charge vs unit rate](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-standing-charge-vs-unit-rate/)
- [Cheap energy deals](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/cheap-energy-deals/)
- [Energy tariff comparator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/energy-tariff-comparator/)

## Primary source

ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/energy-price-cap

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.