Average Cost of Electricity per kWh in the UK (2025)

Average Cost of Electricity per kWh in the UK (2025) 2025

Average Cost of Electricity per kWh in the UK (2025)

I. Executive Summary
The average cost of electricity per kWh in the UK for consumers paying via direct debit, under the prevailing Ofgem Energy Price Cap from April to June 2025, is 27.03 pence, accompanied by a daily standing charge of 53.80 pence. This represents an increase in the unit rate from the preceding quarter (January to March 2025), during which the average was 24.86 pence per kWh, while the standing charge saw a decrease from 60.97 pence per day. This fluctuation is primarily attributed to a confluence of factors, including the upward trajectory of global wholesale gas prices, the financial demands of maintaining and upgrading the electricity network, the influence of governmental policies supporting renewable energy initiatives, and the imposition of environmental levies. Looking ahead, projections from energy market analysts suggest a potential easing of prices with a forecasted decrease in the price cap for July 2025, although the latter part of the year may still experience volatility due to the unpredictable nature of the energy market. The sustained high cost of electricity in 2025 continues to pose significant challenges to the financial well-being of UK households and the competitive standing of domestic businesses, particularly those with substantial energy consumption.
II. Introduction: The Significance of UK Electricity Costs in 2025
Electricity serves as an indispensable utility, forming the bedrock of daily life for households across the United Kingdom and underpinning the operational continuity of businesses spanning all sectors. The cost of this essential resource has far-reaching implications, directly impacting the financial planning of households, influencing budgetary allocations, and, for a significant portion of the population, contributing to the pressing issue of fuel poverty, where individuals struggle to afford adequate heating and power. For businesses, electricity expenses constitute a critical element of their overall operational overheads, directly affecting their profitability, shaping investment strategies, and determining their capacity to compete effectively within both the national and the international economic landscape. This report undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the average cost of electricity per kWh in the UK throughout the entirety of 2025. By meticulously examining the most current data sourced from regulatory authorities, insights provided by industry experts, and information released by governmental bodies, this analysis aims to provide a detailed understanding of the prevailing prices, the notable regional variations that exist, the fundamental factors that exert influence over these costs, the historical trends that provide crucial context, the future projections that offer a glimpse into potential price movements, and the broader economic ramifications for the UK as a whole.
III. Current Average Electricity Cost per kWh in the UK (2025)
  • National Average (April - June 2025):
    • The most recent data available pertains to the Energy Price Cap established by Ofgem for the period spanning April 1 to June 30, 2025. This regulatory measure sets the average electricity unit rate at 27.03 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) for domestic consumers who utilize Direct Debit as their payment method.
    • In conjunction with the per-unit charge, a fixed daily standing charge of 53.80 pence per day is also applicable to Direct Debit customers throughout this same timeframe.
    • It is important to note that these figures already incorporate the prevailing rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) and represent an average calculated across the entirety of England, Scotland, and Wales.
    • The actual cost of electricity experienced by individual consumers can also differ based on the specific payment method they employ, with distinct rates and standing charges in place for those using prepayment meters and those who opt for standard credit payments.
      • For households that rely on prepayment meters, the electricity unit rate is set at 26.20 p/kWh, while they incur the same standing charge of 53.80 p/day as Direct Debit users during the April-June 2025 period.
      • Consumers who choose to pay via standard credit, upon receiving their bill, face a higher unit rate of 28.45 p/kWh and a greater standing charge of 59.60 p/day for the corresponding period.
    • The consistency in the standing charge for both Direct Debit and prepayment customers during this period suggests a deliberate regulatory approach to ensure a level playing field regarding the fixed daily cost associated with accessing the electricity network.
      • This alignment likely reflects Ofgem's ongoing efforts to promote fair pricing across different payment methods, ensuring that the fundamental cost of being connected to the electricity grid remains the same for these two significant consumer segments, despite variations in the per-unit cost of the energy consumed.
  • National Average (January - March 2025):
    • To provide a comparative perspective, the Energy Price Cap that was in effect during the preceding quarter, from January 1 to March 31, 2025, established the average electricity unit rate for Direct Debit customers at 24.86 pence per kWh, coupled with a daily standing charge of 60.97 pence per day.
    • A comparison between the current price cap and the previous one reveals a notable increase in the unit rate (rising from 24.86 p/kWh to 27.03 p/kWh) and a corresponding decrease in the standing charge (falling from 60.97 p/day to 53.80 p/day) between the first and second quarters of 2025.
    • The alteration in the pricing structure from the first quarter to the second, with consumers now facing a higher charge for each unit of electricity consumed but a lower fixed daily fee, suggests a potential shift in the composition of electricity costs. This adjustment indicates a greater emphasis on the cost directly related to the amount of energy used, as opposed to the fixed expenses associated with maintaining the infrastructure required for its delivery.
      • This rebalancing could be a consequence of evolving dynamics within the wholesale energy markets, where the cost of the electricity itself (the generated commodity) has increased relative to the costs associated with the upkeep of the network that facilitates its distribution. Alternatively, it could represent regulatory adjustments aimed at more accurately reflecting the actual cost of energy consumed versus the fixed costs of network maintenance.
IV. Regional Variations in Electricity Costs
  • While the national average cost of electricity per kWh offers a broad overview, the actual expenses incurred by consumers throughout the UK exhibit considerable variation depending on their geographical location.
  • The subsequent table presents a summary of the regional unit rates and standing charges for electricity applicable to Direct Debit customers with a standard single meter for the period spanning April 1 to June 30, 2025. The data presented is derived from the research material provided:
    • Table: Regional Electricity Costs (April - June 2025, Direct Debit)
RegionUnit Rate (p/kWh)Standing Charge (pence/day)
North West27.9351.31
Northern26.2459.83
Yorkshire26.1958.64
Northern Scotland26.9960.87
Southern27.2445.13
Southern Scotland25.8256.50
North Wales & Mersey28.5069.54
London26.4846.20
South East27.6848.03
Eastern27.3348.65
East Midlands26.3749.38
Midlands26.4653.14
South Western27.5854.27
South Wales27.6151.79
GB Average27.053.8
* The data in the table underscores the significant disparities in electricity costs across different regions of Great Britain. Notably, the North Wales & Mersey area consistently exhibits the highest unit rate for electricity, indicating that consumers in this region face a greater cost for each unit of energy they consume. In contrast, Southern Scotland generally benefits from one of the lowest unit rates, suggesting a more affordable per-unit cost for electricity in this area. While London does not have the absolute lowest unit rate across all regions, it often features lower standing charges when compared to many other areas. This implies that while the cost per unit of electricity in London is competitive, the fixed daily charge for being connected to the grid is relatively lower.
* These observable regional differences in electricity pricing are primarily attributable to the varying expenses that energy suppliers incur when distributing electricity across diverse geographical areas. Several factors contribute to these cost variations, including the density of the population within a region, the extent and the upkeep requirements of the local network infrastructure responsible for delivering electricity, and the volume of energy that suppliers procure from generators located specifically within that region.[11, 12, 13]
  • The region experiencing the highest average unit cost for electricity during the April to June 2025 period is North Wales & Mersey, with a rate of 28.50 p/kWh.
  • Conversely, Southern Scotland generally enjoys one of the lowest average unit costs, at 25.82 p/kWh.
  • Several key factors contribute to these observed regional differences in electricity costs:
    • Each geographical region within the UK is served by a designated Distribution Network Operator (DNO), and these DNOs impose distinct charges on energy suppliers for the utilization of their electricity infrastructure. These charges, which cover the costs of maintaining and operating the local networks, are subsequently passed on to consumers through their energy bills.
    • The concentration of customers that an energy supplier serves within a specific region can have an influence on the per-unit cost of electricity. Regions with a higher density of customers may enable suppliers to negotiate bulk purchases of energy from generators at potentially reduced rates, leading to lower costs for consumers.
    • Energy consumption patterns can vary significantly across different regions, influenced by factors such as the prevailing climate (e.g., regions experiencing colder temperatures may exhibit higher energy demands for heating) and the predominant types of housing stock found in the area.
    • The availability and the cost of local energy generation sources, which may include renewable energy projects like wind farms or solar installations, can also play a role in shaping the regional variations in electricity prices. Regions with access to cheaper local generation may experience lower overall costs.
V. Factors Influencing Electricity Prices in 2025
  • Global Wholesale Energy Prices:
    • A primary determinant of electricity costs in the UK is the price of energy in the global wholesale markets, with a particularly strong correlation to the price of natural gas. Given the significant role of gas-fired power plants in the UK's electricity generation portfolio, fluctuations in global natural gas prices directly impact the cost of producing electricity.
    • International geopolitical events, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, can trigger substantial volatility and exert upward pressure on global gas supplies and prices, which subsequently translates to increased electricity costs for UK consumers. The interconnectedness of the UK's gas market with broader European markets further amplifies this effect, making domestic electricity prices sensitive to international developments.
    • The overall global energy market is characterized by inherent volatility, susceptible to a wide array of factors including the interplay of supply and demand, prevailing weather patterns, and unforeseen disruptions to energy infrastructure and supply chains.
    • The UK's reliance on imported natural gas to meet a considerable portion of its energy requirements renders it particularly susceptible to the unpredictable nature of the global wholesale market, thereby making domestic electricity prices vulnerable to international events and price fluctuations.
      • Because natural gas often serves as the marginal fuel source for electricity generation within the UK's energy system, any significant increase in its global price directly elevates the cost of electricity production. This increased cost is then, in large part, passed on to end consumers in the form of higher electricity bills.
  • Government Policies and Regulations:
    • The regulatory framework established by the UK government, primarily through the independent energy regulator Ofgem, exerts a crucial influence on the pricing of electricity. Ofgem sets the Energy Price Cap, a mechanism designed to safeguard domestic consumers on standard variable tariffs by imposing a limit on the maximum price that energy suppliers can charge per unit of energy consumed and for the daily standing charge. The methodology employed by Ofgem to calculate this price cap takes into account a variety of underlying costs, including the prices in the wholesale energy markets, the expenses associated with maintaining the electricity network, and costs related to government-mandated policies.
    • The government also implements various support schemes, such as the Warm Home Discount, which are intended to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households to help them manage their energy expenditures.
    • Furthermore, governmental policies aimed at facilitating the transition towards a Net Zero economy, including the provision of subsidies and incentives for the development and deployment of renewable energy sources, also have an impact on the overall cost of electricity.
    • While government policies are designed with the dual objectives of protecting consumers and promoting a sustainable energy future, their implementation can have complex and sometimes inflationary effects on electricity prices in the short term.
      • Mechanisms such as subsidies intended to bolster the renewable energy infrastructure and levies established to fund social programs aimed at supporting vulnerable households are often recovered through charges applied to energy bills. This process, while serving important societal goals, can contribute to an increase in the overall cost of electricity for consumers.
  • Transition to Renewable Energy:
    • The United Kingdom is actively engaged in a significant transition towards renewable energy sources, with an increasing proportion of the nation's electricity being generated from clean technologies such as wind, solar, and hydro power.
    • In the long-term perspective, this strategic shift is anticipated to diminish the UK's reliance on the volatile global markets for fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a greater stability in energy prices.
    • However, the initial phase of this transition necessitates substantial investment in the development and integration of renewable energy infrastructure, as well as incurring costs associated with ensuring the stability of the electricity grid when relying on intermittent energy sources. These financial demands can lead to short-term adjustments in the prices that consumers pay for electricity.
    • While the transition to renewable energy is crucial for the UK's long-term energy security and the stabilization of electricity prices, the significant upfront financial investments required for this transformation can result in short-term increases or adjustments to the cost of electricity for consumers.
      • The process of building new renewable energy generation facilities, such as wind farms and solar parks, and the necessary upgrades to the electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate these new sources involve substantial capital expenditure. These financial outlays can influence electricity prices during the period of transition as these costs are factored into the overall energy system.
  • Network Costs:
    • A considerable portion of the price consumers pay for electricity comprises the expenses associated with building, maintaining, and upgrading the extensive network of high-voltage transmission lines and local distribution cables that are essential for delivering electricity from power generation sources to homes and businesses across the country.
    • These network costs are not uniform across the UK and exhibit regional variations, reflecting the specific infrastructure requirements and operational challenges inherent in different geographical areas.
    • Ongoing and significant investments in modernizing the electricity grid are imperative to effectively accommodate the increasing contribution of renewable energy sources and to meet the anticipated growth in electricity demand from sectors such as transportation (with the rise of electric vehicles) and heating (through the adoption of heat pumps).
    • The continuous need for investment in and enhancement of the UK's electricity network to support the evolving energy landscape will likely sustain pressure on network costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers through their electricity bills.
      • The expansion and strengthening of the electricity grid to effectively handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation and the growing demand for electricity from electric vehicles and heat pumps necessitate substantial and ongoing financial commitments. These investments in infrastructure lead to sustained network charges, which form a component of the final electricity price paid by consumers.
  • Environmental Levies:
    • A number of environmental levies are applied to electricity bills as a mechanism to encourage greater energy efficiency, reduce overall carbon emissions, and provide financial support for the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. A prominent example of such a levy is the Climate Change Levy (CCL), which is primarily imposed on businesses based on their consumption of electricity and other forms of energy. The specific rates for electricity under the CCL in 2025 are clearly defined, and any potential future adjustments to these rates are announced periodically by the government. Businesses that have entered into Climate Change Agreements with the government can benefit from significant reductions in the CCL rates they are required to pay.
    • In addition to the CCL, other levies, such as those associated with the now-closed Renewables Obligation and the Feed-in Tariffs scheme, also contribute to the overall cost of electricity. These levies were designed to provide financial incentives for the generation of electricity from renewable sources, and their costs are ultimately borne by electricity consumers.
    • Recent policy pronouncements, including the decision to remove CCL costs for electricity used in the production of hydrogen through electrolysis, indicate that the government is continually making adjustments to these environmental levies in response to evolving priorities and technological advancements.
    • Environmental levies represent a tangible cost that is added to the final price of electricity, particularly for industrial users. This reflects the government's ongoing commitment to achieving environmental goals and facilitating the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
      • These levies serve as a financial tool to internalize the environmental costs that are associated with energy consumption and to provide essential financial backing for the development and deployment of cleaner energy alternatives. Consequently, these levies directly influence the price that consumers ultimately pay for their electricity.
VI. Historical Trends in UK Electricity Prices
  • Over the past decade, the average cost of electricity per kWh in the UK has generally followed an upward trajectory, marked by periods of notable volatility. Data compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and various energy regulators reveals a substantial increase in the average annual electricity bills faced by typical households throughout this period.
  • The years spanning 2021 to 2023 were characterized by a significant and rapid increase in energy prices, a period widely recognized as the energy crisis. This dramatic surge was triggered by a combination of global factors, including a rebound in energy demand following the COVID-19 pandemic, depleted natural gas reserves, and the geopolitical instability arising from the conflict in Ukraine. While electricity prices have since moderated from their peak levels experienced during this crisis, they nonetheless remain considerably higher than the costs observed in the years preceding this period of upheaval.
  • The subsequent table presents an overview of the historical unit costs of electricity per kWh, expressed in pence, for selected years between 2010 and 2025. The data presented has been compiled based on the information available within the provided research material:
    • Table: Historical Electricity Unit Costs (pence per kWh)
YearUnit Cost (pence per kWh) (Approximation based on available data)
201012.7
201515.4
202019.6
202232.2
202330.0 (Average of first three quarters)
202424.5 (Q2 Average)
202527.03 (Q2 Average, Direct Debit)
* The historical data clearly indicates a long-term trend of increasing electricity prices in the UK, with a particularly sharp and rapid escalation occurring in the early years of the 2020s. Although there has been some decline in prices since the peak of the energy crisis, the cost of electricity in 2025 remains significantly higher than the levels that were prevalent in the preceding decade.
* This sustained upward movement in electricity prices over the long term reflects the cumulative effect of a multitude of contributing factors. These include a general increase in global energy demand, the substantial financial investments required for the transition towards renewable energy sources, rising charges associated with the maintenance and upgrading of the electricity network infrastructure, and periods of geopolitical instability that have exerted pressure on the prices of fossil fuels.
  • A direct comparison of the current average unit cost of electricity (27.03 p/kWh for the second quarter of 2025) with the levels observed before the onset of the recent energy crisis (for example, 19.6 p/kWh in 2020) clearly demonstrates a substantial increase in the price that consumers are now paying for their electricity.
VII. Forecasts and Future Outlook for 2025
  • Analysis of projections from reputable energy consultancies, such as Cornwall Insight, indicates a potential decrease in the Energy Price Cap for the period spanning July to September 2025. This anticipated reduction is primarily attributed to a projected easing of prices in the wholesale energy markets.
    • Forecasts released by Cornwall Insight in late April 2025 suggested a potential fall in the average annual energy bill for a typical dual-fuel household to around £1,683 starting from July. This would represent a decrease of nearly 9% compared to the price cap in effect during April, and could translate to an approximate electricity unit cost of 25.01 p/kWh with a daily standing charge of 54p.
  • Looking further into the year, projections suggest the possibility of a slight increase in electricity prices for the period covering October to December 2025, followed by another potential decrease in January 2026. However, it is important to note that these longer-term forecasts are subject to a greater degree of uncertainty due to the extended timeframe and the potential for unforeseen market fluctuations.
  • It is crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty associated with these projections, as the global energy market remains highly susceptible to rapid and often unpredictable changes driven by geopolitical tensions, broader market fluctuations, and macroeconomic factors.
  • Ofgem, the energy regulator, will continue its regular three-month reviews and adjustments of the Energy Price Cap. The price levels for the period of July to September 2025 are expected to be officially announced by May 27, 2025.
  • While current forecasts offer a potential outlook for future price movements, the UK electricity market in 2025 is likely to remain dynamic, with prices subject to adjustments based on the evolving landscape of global and domestic factors. A return to the price levels that were prevalent before the recent energy crisis in the near future appears to be an unlikely scenario.
    • The anticipated decrease in the Energy Price Cap for July offers some potential respite for consumers, but the fundamental volatility that characterizes the energy market, heavily influenced by global events, indicates that significant and sustained reductions in electricity prices are not guaranteed for the remainder of 2025.
VIII. Impact of Electricity Prices on UK Households
  • The prevailing average cost of electricity in 2025, even with the anticipated decrease during the summer months, continues to impose a significant financial strain on households across the United Kingdom. The notable increase in average annual energy bills when compared to the levels observed prior to 2021 signifies that households are now allocating a larger proportion of their disposable income to cover the essential costs of energy consumption.
  • Elevated electricity prices serve as a major contributing factor to the issue of fuel poverty, a condition wherein a household's energy expenditure exceeds a reasonable threshold of their income, leaving them unable to afford adequate heating and power. Millions of households throughout the UK are currently estimated to be experiencing fuel poverty, forcing individuals and families to make difficult choices between maintaining a warm home and meeting other essential living costs. According to estimates from National Energy Action, over 6 million households in the UK were classified as being in fuel poverty as of April 2025.
  • The government has implemented various support schemes, such as the Warm Home Discount, as a means of helping to alleviate the burden of high energy costs on those households identified as being particularly vulnerable. However, given the widespread nature of the issue, the current scale of support may prove insufficient, suggesting a potential need for ongoing and possibly expanded governmental interventions to address the challenges faced by households struggling with energy affordability.
  • The persistently high cost of electricity throughout 2025 has substantial ramifications for the financial stability of UK households, pushing a significant segment of the population into fuel poverty and underscoring the necessity for continued government intervention and support.
    • Despite anticipated price decreases during the summer, the cost of electricity remains considerably higher than the levels experienced in previous years. This sustained elevation in prices places a significant financial burden on household budgets, particularly affecting low-income families and highlighting the ongoing requirement for targeted financial assistance and the implementation of effective energy efficiency measures.
IX. Impact of Electricity Prices on UK Businesses and Industrial Competitiveness
  • The elevated cost of electricity in 2025 exerts a significant impact on the operational expenditures of businesses across the United Kingdom, with industries characterized by high energy consumption being particularly vulnerable. Higher energy bills can erode the profit margins of businesses, necessitate increases in the prices of their goods and services, and potentially impede overall business growth and investment initiatives.
  • The comparatively high cost of industrial electricity in the UK, when juxtaposed with prices in other nations such as Germany and France, presents a considerable challenge to the international competitiveness of British industries. Some industry reports indicate that industrial electricity prices in the UK rank among the highest within developed economies, a factor that can potentially lead to businesses considering relocation or scaling back their operational activities within the country.
  • In response to these elevated energy costs, businesses are actively exploring and implementing various strategies aimed at mitigating their financial impact. These strategies include investing in measures to enhance energy efficiency, exploring the adoption of renewable energy technologies to reduce reliance on grid-supplied electricity, and actively seeking out more favorable terms and conditions in their energy supply contracts.
  • The government has introduced certain measures intended to alleviate the burden of high electricity prices on industrial users, such as the British Industry Supercharger scheme, and is reportedly considering further policy options aimed at bolstering the competitiveness of energy-intensive sectors within the UK economy.
  • The sustained high cost of electricity in 2025 represents a significant impediment for businesses operating in the UK, particularly those with substantial energy demands. This situation impacts their profitability and undermines their capacity to compete effectively in the global marketplace, thereby necessitating both proactive responses from businesses themselves and supportive policy interventions from the government.
    • The elevated energy costs act as a substantial component of the operational expenses for businesses, potentially leading to a reduction in investment, job losses, and an overall weakening of the competitive position of UK industries in the international arena.
X. Government Policies and Environmental Levies Affecting Electricity Prices (Detailed Breakdown)
  • The Energy Price Cap, regulated by Ofgem, stands as a central government policy instrument designed to safeguard domestic consumers who are on standard variable tariffs. This cap functions by setting a limit on the maximum price that energy suppliers can charge for each unit of electricity consumed, as well as for the fixed daily standing charge. While the price cap offers a level of protection against excessive price hikes, it is important to note that the cap itself is reviewed and adjusted on a quarterly basis to reflect fluctuations in underlying wholesale energy costs and other relevant factors.
  • The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is an environmental tax that is imposed on businesses based on their consumption of electricity and other forms of energy. The primary objective of the CCL is to incentivize businesses to improve their energy efficiency and to reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions. For electricity consumption in 2025, the main rate of the CCL is set at 0.775 pence per kWh, with indications of potential future increases in the coming years. However, businesses that have entered into formal Climate Change Agreements with the government are eligible to receive significant percentage discounts on the standard CCL rates they are required to pay.
  • The Renewables Obligation (RO) and Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) represent mechanisms that were previously utilized by the government to encourage the development and deployment of electricity generation from renewable energy sources. These schemes operated by providing financial incentives to eligible renewable energy generators. The costs associated with these incentives were, in turn, recovered through levies that were applied to all electricity bills, meaning that consumers ultimately contributed to the support of renewable energy development through these policies. While the Renewables Obligation scheme is now closed to new applications, the obligations created under the scheme continue to have an impact on electricity prices.
  • The Nuclear Construction Charge (E11 NCC) is a more recently introduced levy that has been established to provide a dedicated funding stream for the construction of new nuclear power stations within the UK. This charge, which came into effect in April 2025, is levied directly on electricity suppliers, and it is widely anticipated that these suppliers will pass on the cost of the levy to their customers, potentially having a more pronounced impact on the electricity bills of businesses due to their higher consumption levels.
  • The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a governmental initiative that provides a one-off payment to eligible low-income households to assist them with the cost of their energy bills during the winter months. The funding for this scheme is generated through a levy that is applied to all energy bills, meaning that all energy consumers, both domestic and commercial, contribute to supporting those households most in need during periods of high energy demand and potential financial hardship.
  • The intricate web of government policies and environmental levies creates a complex regulatory environment that exerts a substantial influence over the final price that consumers pay for electricity in the UK. The ongoing challenge for policymakers lies in striking a delicate balance between ensuring adequate consumer protection, promoting the transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon energy system, and maintaining the economic competitiveness of UK industries in an increasingly globalized marketplace.
    • Each of these policies and levies is designed to serve a specific objective, whether it be safeguarding vulnerable consumers, incentivizing environmentally responsible behavior, or supporting the development of cleaner energy sources. However, it is the cumulative effect of these various interventions that ultimately shapes the overall price structure of electricity within the UK. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these individual components is essential for a comprehensive grasp of the multifaceted factors that are driving electricity costs in 2025.
XI. Conclusion and Recommendations
  • In conclusion, the average cost of electricity per kWh in the UK throughout 2025 is a dynamic figure influenced by a complex interplay of global market forces, governmental regulations, and environmental considerations, resulting in prices that remain elevated when compared to historical norms. For consumers paying via direct debit, the average unit cost for the period of April to June 2025 is 27.03 pence per kWh, with notable regional variations highlighting the diverse pricing landscape across the country.
  • The primary factors exerting influence over these electricity costs include the unpredictable global wholesale energy markets, the ongoing and essential transition towards renewable energy sources, the significant expenses associated with the maintenance and necessary upgrades of the national electricity network infrastructure, and a range of government-mandated policies and environmental levies designed to shape energy consumption and production behaviors. While forecasts suggest a potential temporary easing of prices during the summer months, the inherent volatility of the energy sector indicates that significant and sustained price reductions are not guaranteed for the remainder of the year.
  • The sustained high cost of electricity in 2025 continues to pose considerable challenges for households across the UK, contributing to the pervasive issue of fuel poverty and impacting the overall affordability of essential energy services. Similarly, businesses operating within the UK, particularly those in energy-intensive sectors, face ongoing competitiveness pressures due to electricity costs that are often higher than those encountered by their international counterparts.
  • Recommendations:
    • For Consumers: It is advisable to prioritize the implementation of energy efficiency measures within their homes to reduce overall electricity consumption and to actively explore and compare the various tariff options available from different energy suppliers to potentially secure more favorable deals. Consumers should also remain informed about updates to the Energy Price Cap and exercise caution when considering fixed-rate energy tariffs, carefully evaluating the potential risks and benefits.
    • For Businesses: Businesses should focus on investing in energy-efficient technologies and operational practices as a means of lowering their overall energy expenditures. Exploring the potential for on-site renewable energy generation and actively engaging with any available government support schemes specifically targeted at industrial energy users are also recommended. Furthermore, businesses, particularly those in energy-intensive sectors, should actively advocate for policy changes that aim to reduce industrial electricity prices and enhance their competitive standing in the global market.
    • For Policymakers: The government should continue its diligent monitoring and effective regulation of the energy market to ensure fair pricing practices and to provide adequate protection for vulnerable consumers. Exploring viable options for decoupling domestic electricity prices from the volatility of global natural gas markets, accelerating strategic investments in both renewable energy infrastructure and the modernization of the electricity grid, and considering the implementation of targeted support measures for both households facing fuel poverty and energy-intensive businesses are crucial steps. Additionally, a regular review of the effectiveness and the broader economic impact of existing environmental levies on both consumers and businesses should be undertaken to ensure that they are achieving their intended outcomes without unduly hindering affordability or competitiveness.
  • The UK electricity market in 2025 finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating the complex and interconnected challenges of ensuring energy security, meeting ambitious climate change commitments, and addressing the pressing issue of energy affordability for all. Effectively tackling these challenges will necessitate a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving proactive engagement from consumers, strategic investments and operational adjustments from businesses, and well-informed and decisive policy actions from government, all working in concert towards the shared goal of a sustainable and affordable energy future for the United Kingdom.

Works cited


Thank you for letting us help you!

Get in touch with us on any of these platforms.


The guidance contained within the website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at customers in the UK. A FCA regulated expert will contact you after you submit your details to discuss further. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Number 735613.


)