Cost of living

After inflation, household electricity prices were 35% higher and gas prices 12% higher than in 2015, in August 2026

Consumer prices of household electricity and gas, divided by prices of all goods and services (CPIH), UK, monthly from January 1988 to August 2026. Index, 2015 = 100.

Latest figures

Findings

• After inflation, electricity prices in August 2026 were 35% higher than in 2015, and 30% below their peak in January 2023

Notes

• Each line is the ONS consumer price index for household electricity or gas, divided by the index for all goods and services (CPIH), so it shows energy prices after allowing for inflation. All three indices are 2015 = 100, so 100 means the same price relative to everything else as in 2015 and 150 means half as dear again.
• These are prices households pay (unit rates and standing charges, including VAT), not bills: they don't change with how much energy people use. They include the Ofgem price cap and the Energy Price Guarantee, but not one-off support payments such as the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
• Gas here is mains gas for homes. Heating oil and other fuels are not included.

Sources

• Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation (CPIH: electricity L53E, gas L53F, all items L522)

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