Which is More Cost-Effective for Your Home: Electricity or Gas in the
UK?
In the UK, gas and electricity are the top energy sources for homes. People use them for heating, cooking, and
running their appliances. Around 85% of UK homes can use the gas network, which is why gas is popular for heating. Most
people rely on electricity for their appliances. However, the cost of these energy sources can vary. It depends on
your usage, energy efficiency, and your location.
As the UK shifts towards renewable energy, electricity seems to be a better choice. More people are now using
electric heat pumps. However, gas is still cheaper for every unit of energy. This is why many homes continue to
choose gas for heating and cooking.
What are the environmental impacts of electricity versus gas?
Electricity often comes from non-renewable sources like coal and gas, contributing to air pollution and carbon
emissions. Gas is cleaner but still releases CO2. However, electricity can be generated from renewable
sources like solar or wind power, making it more environmentally friendly in the long run.
Gas vs Electric Heating Cost Comparison
When you look at gas heating and electric heating, the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is very important. In October
2024, the cost of gas is around 6.16p per kWh. On the other hand, the cost of electricity is much more at 25.21p
per
kWh. Because of this, gas heating is often less expensive for many homes. This is especially true for homes that
need a lot of heat.
Electric heating systems, such as heat pumps, work better than gas boilers. They can change nearly all the energy
into heat. Gas boilers, on the other hand, waste some energy because of combustion and heat loss in the pipes. For
smaller homes or homes with good insulation, electric heating might save you money in the long
run,
even if the cost per kWh is higher.
The costs for electricity and gas can change. This depends on the appliances you use and how much energy you use
in
total. For example, many people use gas boilers for central heating and hot water. Gas boilers generally cost less
to operate than electric systems. This is especially true in larger homes that require much energy for heating.
Running an electric heater costs around 25.21 pence each hour. A gas heater only costs about 6.16 pence
per
hour. Over a year, this difference can add up, especially in colder regions that need heating for a
long
time. However, modern electric systems, such as heat pumps, can help offset these higher costs.
Cost of Gas vs Electricity per kWh in the UK
Here is a table that shows the current rates and charges for gas and electricity in different regions. This is
based on data from October 2024:
Region
Gas unit rate per kWh
Gas daily standing charge
Electricity unit rate per kWh
Electricity daily standing charge
Eastern
6.16p
31.43p
25.21p
50.84p
East Midlands
6.10p
31.49p
23.77p
56.90p
London
6.31p
32.00p
25.69p
41.59p
Midlands
6.20p
31.67p
23.83p
63.62p
Northern
6.22p
31.74p
23.19p
72.10p
Northern Scotland
6.16p
31.76p
24.96p
61.98p
North West
6.16p
31.76p
25.01p
52.04p
Southern
6.32p
31.30p
24.62p
64.28p
South East
6.17p
31.39p
25.24p
57.84p
Southern Scotland
6.16p
31.80p
23.96p
64.17p
Gas is cheaper than electricity everywhere. The cost of gas is between 6.10p and 6.52p for each kWh. In
comparison,
electricity costs more, from 23.19p to 25.69p for each kWh. Also, the fees for electricity are higher than the
cost
of gas. This is especially true in areas like Northern Scotland and the Midlands.
Energy Bill Comparison: Gas and Electricity
UK homes that use gas for heating, cooking, and hot water typically pay less for energy than homes
that only use electricity. Ofgem says the average yearly bill for both gas and electricity is around £1,717 for a
typical household under the price cap set in October 2024.
For homes that only use electricity, energy bills can be high. This happens because the cost of electricity is
higher per unit. If you heat your home with electric storage heaters or radiators, your yearly energy costs can go
up by £400 to £600. This is when you compare it to homes of the same size that use gas central heating.
Which is Cheaper: Electricity or Gas?
In most cases, gas is the cheaper option for homes in the UK. It costs less per kWh and is easy to
find. This makes gas the better choice for heating, cooking, and hot water. However, electric systems
like heat pumps can also be very efficient. They work well and can save more money in homes that are
well-insulated
or use renewable energy.
As the UK works to reduce carbon emissions, the cost of electricity may improve. This is true because of new
advances in renewable energy and help from government programs like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Gas vs Electric Heating in the UK
Gas central heating is the most favoured and cost-effective method to warm homes in the UK. Gas boilers heat
water
effectively. They send warmth through radiators, which are good for larger houses. While electric heating,
such as storage heaters and heat pumps, is more efficient, it can be more expensive. This is because the unit cost
of electricity is higher.
Electric heat pumps are getting more popular. They are very efficient, with a performance rate of
300-400%. These systems can help lower carbon emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy.
Pros and Cons of Gas vs Electricity for Home Heating
Gas Pros:
Lower costs for running every kilowatt-hour
Quick and reliable heating for larger homes
Simple to locate and use
Gas Cons:
Produces more carbon emissions than electricity.
Requires regular upkeep, such as boiler servicing.
There is a risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
Electricity Pros:
Very close to 100% effective in turning energy into heat.
Safer and cleaner, with no risk of leaks.
Works best in small homes or those that are well-insulated.
Electricity Cons:
Running costs are higher due to the expensive unit price.
Installing electric central heating systems, such as heat pumps, costs more.
There is a need to rely on renewable energy sources to lower carbon emissions.
Electricity vs Gas Efficiency
Electric systems, such as heat pumps and electric radiators, are great at turning energy into heat. They come very
close
to being 100% efficient. On the other hand, gas systems waste some energy when they burn fuel, allowing heat to
escape. This makes gas systems less efficient overall. Gas boilers typically work at about 90% efficiency.
However,
electricity is still the better choice for energy conversion.
Gas costs less per kWh. This makes it a cheaper option for homes that use a lot of energy. This
is
especially helpful for homes that do not have good insulation.
Comparing Energy Sources: Gas vs Electricity for Home Use
Gas is typically used for heating, cooking, and hot water, while electricity powers most appliances and lighting.
While gas remains the cheaper option for heating and cooking, electricity is often used in conjunction with gas
for
other household needs.
Electricity, when sourced from renewables, also has the potential to be a cleaner energy source than gas. With
the
UK moving towards its net-zero targets, there is a growing shift towards using more electricity in homes,
particularly for heating and hot water through systems like heat pumps. This shift is supported by government
incentives and the rising availability of renewable electricity.
Gas vs Electricity: Carbon Footprint Comparison
One of the main factors driving households towards electricity is its lower carbon footprint compared to gas.
Burning natural gas for heating and cooking releases carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change. On
average, using gas for heating a home emits around 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, according to the Energy Saving
Trust.
Electricity, on the other hand, can have a much lower carbon footprint, particularly if it is
generated from renewable sources like wind or solar. The UK government has set a target to phase out gas boilers
by
2035, encouraging the adoption of electric heating systems powered by renewable energy. This shift is expected to
significantly reduce the carbon footprint of UK homes.
It's important to note that the carbon footprint of electricity depends on the energy mix used to generate
it.
While renewables are on the rise, a portion of the UK's electricity is still generated from fossil fuels. As
of
2023, about 43% of UK electricity comes from renewable sources, with this percentage expected to increase in the
coming years.
Gas vs Electric Cooking Cost Comparison
Gas stoves and ovens often cost less to run than electric ovens because gas is cheaper. However, electric ovens,
especially induction hobs, are getting better at saving energy. They heat only the pot and not the space around
it.
The price difference for cooking may not be very large compared to heating. Despite this, people who cook often
can
still save money
with gas.
Gas vs Electricity: Household Costs
Household costs for gas and electricity depend on several things. These include how much energy you use, how
efficient your appliances are, and the prices in your area. Gas is still the cheaper option for heating. People
often use electricity more for appliances. As the UK moves to renewable energy, electricity might
become
a better deal. This is especially true for hot water and heating.
Electricity vs Gas for Heating Bills: What Affects Costs?
Heating bills are affected by a variety of factors, including:
Size of your home
Type of heating system
Energy efficiency of your property
Insulation quality
Local climate
Personal heating preferences
Gas heating tends to result in lower bills due to the cheaper cost of gas, but electric systems can offer lower
bills in homes that are well-insulated or have low heating demands. Heat loss is another key factor. In older
homes,
gas heating may be less efficient due to heat loss through walls, windows, and roofs, whereas electric systems,
particularly underfloor heating or heat pumps, can distribute heat more evenly and reduce overall consumption.
Which is more expensive, electricity or gas in the UK?
Electricity is significantly more expensive than gas in the UK. As of October 2024, electricity
costs around 25.21p per kWh, while gas costs about 6.16p per kWh.
Is electric heating cheaper than gas heating?
No, gas heating is generally cheaper than electric heating due to the lower cost of
gas. However, electric heating can be more efficient, especially in well-insulated homes, and can be
more cost-effective when using renewable energy sources.
What’s more efficient: electric or gas heating systems?
Electric heating systems are generally more efficient at converting energy into heat, with near 100%
efficiency at the point of use. Gas systems lose some energy through combustion and heat loss,
making them less efficient overall.
How does the carbon footprint of gas and electricity compare?
Electricity has a lower carbon footprint than gas, especially when sourced from renewable energy.
Gas produces carbon dioxide when burned, contributing to climate change, while renewable electricity
is much cleaner.
What’s better for cooking, gas or electric?
Gas stoves offer more precise heat control and are generally cheaper to run, while electric stoves,
especially induction hobs, are more energy-efficient and easier to clean. The choice depends on
personal preference and the availability of energy sources in your home.
We use cookies to provide the best possible user experience and maintain a secure environment. Some cookies are essential for the proper functioning and security of our website, enabling core features like processing your comparison queries and accessing your rewards. We also employ optional cookies for advanced analytics, tracking, advertising, testing, and performance optimisation.
By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of all cookies. If you click 'Reject All', we will only use the necessary cookies required for the site to function securely. For more control over your cookie preferences, click 'Let Me Choose' to customise which optional cookies you're comfortable with. To learn more about the specific types of cookies we use, please visit our comprehensive
Cookie Policy.
Manage your cookies preferences.
Please select and accept your cookie preferences:
These essential cookies ensure the proper functioning and security of the website and app. They enable core features and services without collecting personal information for tracking or advertising purposes.
These cookies provide insights into how customers interact with our website and app. The aggregated and anonymous data collected helps us understand the usage of our products and services, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and optimise your browsing experience.
These cookies help us present products, services and offers that are most relevant to you. We may use the data collected by these cookies to personalise the advertisements you see on our website and other platforms, ensuring a more tailored browsing experience.
These cookies allow our website and app to remember your preferences, such as your region, country, language, accessibility options, and other settings. By enabling these cookies, we can provide you with a more personalised and convenient browsing experience tailored to your specific needs.
These cookies are used when we advertise on social media platforms. They allow these platforms to recognise you as one of our users and display relevant ads to you on our behalf. When you use your social media account to log in to our services, these cookies may also be used by the platforms to collect information about your behaviour for personalised advertising purposes.
