Energy bills

Electricity Unit Rate vs Standing Charge

What the two main electricity charges mean for UK household bills and appliance calculations.

Published 25 September 2026 · Last checked 25 September 2026

Your unit rate is the price paid for each kilowatt hour of electricity. Your standing charge is normally a fixed daily cost for maintaining the supply.

When estimating the extra cost of running an appliance, use the unit rate. The standing charge does not usually increase because one appliance runs for longer.