Written question asked by Dan Carden (Labour) on Monday, 6 February 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. It was answered by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Energy: Meters

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the average cost of energy for people (a) using prepayment meters and (b) paying by direct debit in the period between December 2022 and February 2023.

Answer: Assuming a typical dual fuel consumption based on Ofgem’s Typical Domestic Consumption Values, and that a typical person pays the average rate for each payment type, the average energy bill in Q1 2023 for customers paying by Direct Debit is £676 and by prepayment meter £735. These take into account the discounts provided by Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bill Support Scheme and reflect normal seasonal patterns of higher demand in winter.

Secondary information