Gas and electricity each have their own standing charge, and a home with both pays both. Under the cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026, the Great Britain average is 54.83p a day for electricity (£200 a year) and 29.68p a day for gas (£108 a year).
The two fuels side by side
| Fuel | GB average a day | GB average a year | Lowest region a day | Highest region a day | Share of a typical bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 54.83p | £200 | 42.92p (London) | 67.66p (Merseyside and Northern Wales) | 23% |
| Gas | 29.68p | £108 | 29.16p (Southern England) | 30.20p (London) | 13% |
The share is the standing charge's part of a year at Ofgem's typical use: 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas. Direct Debit, standard electricity meter.
Source: Ofgem energy price cap Cap period from
Why a low user feels it more
The standing charge is the same every day, so it makes up a bigger part of the bill when you use less energy. A small flat or a second home pays the same daily fee as a family house on the same network. The standing charges guide explains how the charge is worked out and why it differs by region.
Short answers
Do I pay a gas standing charge if I use no gas?
Yes, for as long as your home is connected. The standing charge is a daily fee for the connection, so it applies whether or not you use any gas.
Do I pay both standing charges if I have both fuels?
Yes. Gas and electricity each have their own unit rate and standing charge, and a home with both pays both.
Does the standing charge change with how much I use?
No. It is the same every day. Only the unit rate, in pence per kWh, rises and falls with your use.
Sources
Wording checked . Rules change, so check the linked sources before you act.