Bills
Find the key energy bill charges and check that you’re paying the right amount.
Your energy bill charges contains several important figures. However, four numbers deserve the most attention.
These are your unit rates, standing charges, meter readings and account balance. Together, they explain what you pay and how your supplier calculates the bill.
More importantly, these figures can help you spot unusual charges. They can also highlight errors or changes in your energy use.
Therefore, learning how to read your bill can save you money. It can also help you challenge incorrect charges and manage future costs.
First, look at your unit rate. This shows how much you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Your electricity and gas will normally have different rates. You may also pay different rates depending on your tariff.
From 1 July to 30 September 2026, Ofgem’s average price-cap rates are:
These figures apply to Direct Debit customers on standard variable tariffs. However, your actual rates may differ.
Your region can affect the price you pay. Your payment method can also change the rate.
For that reason, always check your own bill. Do not assume the Ofgem average matches your tariff.
If your rate looks unusually high, check your current deal. You may have moved from a fixed tariff to a standard variable tariff.
Also, check whether your supplier recently changed your rates. A tariff change can increase your costs without any change in energy use.
Next, look at your standing charge. This is a daily fee for keeping your energy supply connected.
You pay it even when you use little or no energy. Therefore, it forms part of your costs throughout the year.
For 1 July to 30 September 2026, the average price-cap charges are:
That equals roughly £209 a year for electricity. Gas adds around £106 a year.
These costs apply before you use any energy. However, your actual charges may differ.
Suppliers set different rates across regions. Payment methods can also affect the amount.
So, compare the figure on your bill with the relevant Ofgem rate. This gives you a better idea of whether your standing charge looks typical.
After that, check your meter readings. Look for an E or A beside the reading.
An E means estimated. An A means actual.
An estimated reading can make your bill less accurate. This happens when your supplier does not receive regular meter readings.
As a result, your bill may not reflect your real energy use. You could then pay too much or too little.
If you have a smart meter, check that your supplier receives the readings correctly. If the data has stopped, contact your supplier.
Explain that your automatic readings may not be reaching your account. Your supplier can then investigate the communication problem.
If you do not have a smart meter, submit regular readings yourself. Most suppliers let you do this through an app or online account.
Regular readings can make your bills more accurate. They can also reduce the chance of large corrections later.
Finally, review your account balance. This shows whether you have credit or owe your supplier money.
If your account sits in credit, you have paid more than you currently owe. However, that does not always mean you should request a refund immediately.
Some credit can help cover higher winter energy use. Your supplier may also have recent usage that it has not billed yet.
Therefore, check your upcoming costs before requesting a refund. Look at your recent bills and current energy consumption.
If you have built up more credit than you need, you can ask your supplier for a refund. Ofgem confirms that customers can request money back from a credit balance.
However, your supplier may review the account first. It may consider future usage and any unbilled energy before making the payment.
Looking at one figure alone can give you an incomplete picture. Instead, check all four together.
Start with your unit rates. Next, review your standing charges and meter readings.
Then, check your account balance. This approach can reveal changes that you might otherwise miss.
For example, your usage may stay the same while your unit rate increases. Alternatively, your bill may rise because your supplier estimated your meter reading.
By checking each figure regularly, you can spot problems sooner. You can also compare tariffs more confidently and keep better track of your energy costs.
Ultimately, understanding your energy bill gives you more control. It also makes it easier to question charges that do not look right.