Last updated: 10th January 2025
Are you curious about the average gas and electricity bill for a one-bedroom flat in the UK? You are not alone. Many one-bedroom flat owners are unsure whether their energy usage is too high, too low, or just right.
In this post, we will break down the typical cost of gas and electricity bills for a one-bedroom flat, as well as provide insights on energy consumption and factors that could affect your bills.
Keep reading to learn how you can save money on your utility bills without sacrificing comfort in your home.
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Factors that impact the average gas and electricity bill in the UK
There are several factors that can influence your gas and electricity bills. The main factor is the tariff you are on with your energy supplier; tariffs can vary significantly between suppliers, and your supplier may even have a variety of different-priced tariffs you could be on.
Another important factor to consider is your energy usage. The more energy you use, the higher your bills will be. Being on a fixed tariff doesn’t mean a fixed energy bill; the price cap is a maximum unit charge, not a cap on the total amount you can pay.
Additionally, standing charges, which are daily fees, can also contribute to your overall energy costs. The less energy you use, the higher proportion of your bill these standing charges will make up.
Lastly, investing in smart meters and energy-efficient appliances can help lower your energy bills in the long run. A more energy-efficient washing machine may be slightly more expensive, but it could save you money on your bills in the long run.
What is the average gas and electricity bill for a one-bedroom flat in the UK?
The average gas and electricity bills for a one-bedroom flat in the UK can vary depending on factors discussed above, like energy usage, tariff and location.
Typically, however, bills range from £80 to £120 per month for the average one-bedroom flat for gas and electricity combined. Standing charges are likely to make up about £25 of this.
If you are paying more, then don’t forget that energy costs are also influenced by the size of the flat, insulation, and the number and type of appliances used, etc. It’s also worth noting that your bills may be higher during colder months, particularly for gas, due to increased heating usage.
You can work out what your actual energy daily, monthly or yearly energy bill would be using our energy bill calculator. You will need to know the daily standing charge and unit cost for electricity and gas (if applicable), and then you can see the actual rate you would pay for various usage.
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How much electricity does a 1-bed house flat use?
On average, a one-bedroom flat in the UK uses around 1,800 kWh of electricity per year.
To give you a rough idea of what that means, one kWh is about the amount of energy it takes to boil 10 kettles, run a full cycle of your washing machine, or keep your laptop powered for two days.
The actual amount you use will vary depending on several factors but mostly due to the number of occupants and number of appliances used.
What is the average monthly electricity bill for a 1-bed flat?
On average, the electricity bill for a 1-bed flat in the UK ranges from £45 to £65 per month.
This is £540 to £780 per year.
This average amount also mainly covers flats that use a mix of gas and electricity for heating. If your flat uses electricity only, your bill will likely be higher.
How much gas does a 1-bed flat use?
According to Ofgem, a one-bedroom flat in the UK uses around 7,500 kWh of gas per year.
The exact amount of gas consumption depends on factors such as the heating system, flat insulation, and whether gas is used for cooking.
What is the average monthly gas bill for a 1-bed flat?
The cost of gas bills can vary depending on factors like heating system efficiency, how much gas is used for cooking, and the amount of hot water needed.
On average, a 1-bed flat in the UK can expect to pay around £35 to £55 a month on gas.
Or an annual gas bill ranging from £420 to £660.
However, it’s important to note that these monthly figures can fluctuate depending on the time of year, with higher gas consumption during autumn and winter months.
What is the average gas & electric electric bill in the UK (Annually)?
The average gas and electricity bill in the UK varies depending on your house type. In the table below, we have provided the average electric bill and the average gas bill on an annual basis, so you can get an idea of how your usage compares.
If you are looking for an overall average annually across all house sizes, then the average annual gas bill would be £899 and the average annual electricity bill would be £948. This gives a combined average annual energy bill of £1,847. This total also includes the daily standing charge for gas and electricity.
The daily standing charge can have a big impact on your overall bill when using less energy, so we’ve created a guide to help you find the suppliers with the lowest standing charge.
These amounts are based on the current fixed-rate tariff from Octopus (January 2025).
| Property Type | Average Annual Gas Usage (kWh) | Average Annual Gas Bill | Average Annual Electricity Usage (kWh) | Average Annual Electricity Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One bed flat | 7,500 | £578 | 1,800 | £626 |
| Two bed house | 9,000 | £673 | 2,500 | £792 |
| Three bed house | 12,000 | £861 | 3,000 | £910 |
| Four Bed house | 16,000 | £1,112 | 4,000 | £1,147 |
| Five Bed house | 20,000 | £1,363 | 5,000 | £1,383 |
This table is based on average annual usage for both gas and electricity. The annual bill amounts are calculated using the current average gas and electricity prices per kWh with the average standing charge for each energy type included.
If you’re paying more than this, have a look at our guide on the cheapest energy tariffs available right now.
What is the average gas & electric electric bill in the UK (Monthly)?
In the table below, we have provided the average electric bill and the average gas bill on a monthly basis, so you can get an idea of how your usage compares. Remember that this is a 12-month average, but your bills will likely be higher in the winter than in summer due to heating costs.
If you are looking for an overall monthly average, then the average monthly gas bill would be £75, and the average monthly electricity bill would be £79. This gives a combined average monthly energy bill of £154.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Gas Usage (kWh) | Average Monthly Gas Bill | Average Monthly Electricity Usage (kWh) | Average Monthly Electricity Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One bed flat | 625 | £48 | 150 | £52 |
| Two bed house | 750 | £56 | 208 | £66 |
| Three bed house | 1,000 | £72 | 250 | £76 |
| Four Bed house | 1,333 | £93 | 333 | £96 |
| Five Bed house | 1,667 | £1114 | 417 | £115 |
This table is based on average monthly usage for both gas and electricity. The monthly bill amounts are calculated using the current average gas and electricity prices per kWh with the average standing charge for each energy type included.
Will I save on energy bills by living with a partner?
By combining households, you can share expenses like heating and electricity, making it more affordable. You will likely use more energy with an extra person in your flat, but it is unlikely to come anywhere near doubling your costs. If you can split these bills 50/50, then living with a partner is likely to save you money on an individual basis.
How to reduce your energy consumption in a one-bedroom flat
If you think your gas and electricity bills and usage are too high, then reducing energy consumption in a one-bedroom flat is a crucial step towards lowering them. Here are a few quick ways to help lower your consumption:
- Unplug unused electronic devices, as they still consume energy even when turned off.
- Capitalise on natural light and adjust your thermostat to maintain optimal temperature without excessive energy usage.
- Regularly maintaining appliances like boilers can improve their efficiency and reduce energy waste.
- Installation of proper insulation and sealing drafts can prevent energy loss, meaning less energy is needed to keep your flat warm.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs where possible.
- Moreover, fitting smart meters in the flat allows you to monitor your energy consumption in real-time, enabling you to make informed decisions about your usage.
Comparing energy tariffs
When it comes to energy tariffs for one-bedroom flats in the UK, there are various options available from different suppliers. One popular choice is fixed-rate tariffs, which provide stability in energy costs over a set period. On the other hand, variable-rate tariffs fluctuate based on market conditions, like the Tracker tariff from Octopus. Another option to consider is time-of-use tariffs, which offer different rates depending on the time of day.
To find the best energy tariff for your one-bedroom flat, you can use comparison websites that provide information on different plans and pricing. By comparing energy tariffs, you can ensure that you are getting the most cost-effective option for your energy needs.
The average gas and electricity bill for a one-bedroom flat in the UK can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the flat, energy consumption habits, and energy efficiency measures taken. On average, a one-bedroom flat in the UK consumes 150 kWh of electricity and 625 kWh of gas each month, resulting in an average combined bill of around £100. However, it’s important to note that individual circumstances may differ.
To reduce your gas and electricity bills, consider trying some of our energy-saving tips, such as using energy-saving appliances, properly insulating your flat, and being mindful of your energy consumption habits.
Additionally, comparing energy tariffs and switching to a more cost-effective provider can help you save on your bills.
Remember, taking small steps towards energy efficiency benefits your wallet and contributes to a more sustainable future.
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I, too, have read the review. Can I get the 50 pound credit please.
I have read the review. Can I get the £50 credit please.