Everyone hates receiving that dreaded utility bill at the end of the month. It’s all fun and games until you get hit with one heck of a bill, so knowing how much you should expect to pay and how to save on your utility bills will make a huge difference.
Costs are constantly increasing, and many people want to know how to manage these every month. Knowing what the average cost is can help you make a monthly budget, hopefully making the worry of expenses a little bit lighter.
Let’s take a look at the average utility bill UK customers face:
What are the main utilities?
Every household is required to pay for all of their utilities, which include all of the things that make a home comfortable and functional.
The cost of all of these utilities depends on where you live, what type of property you live on, how energy efficient your property is, your heating system, your personal usage, and how many people live in your household.
- Electricity and gas
- Water and sewage
- Recycling and rubbish collection
- Technology – phones, internet, and television
Your average spend on electrical and gas bills
Utility bills will increase every year, and the price also depends on how big your household is and a number of other factors. In the UK in 2021, the average gas and electrical bill was £111.60 per month, which totals £1,339 per year.
Electricity makes up around £63.67, and gas is about £47.93 per month. However, we have seen an increase in those prices this year. In April of 2022, prices shot up by 54%, bringing the yearly cost to £1,971.
The price of gas and electricity also depends on where you live in the UK. You will find higher prices in some regions compared to others. So the amount your average household would spend on providing heat and light to their homes differs across the country.
People living in North Wales and Merseyside tend to pay the most. Their bills are 3.6% higher than average, while households in the East Midlands paid the lowest of all.
You can try to save a bit on your gas and electricity bills by using appliances that are energy efficient. Turning your heating down, using low temperature and low rinse options on your washing machine, and make sure that all heating controls have been set up effectively are also great ways to save.
Water and sewer bills costs
The price of water and sewer varies according to your water company and region. On average, a household will pay a combined bill for water and sewerage of about £408 per year. This totals to around £34 every month.
Water and sewer bills have stayed at relatively the same rate despite inflation over the years.
Recycling and trash bill prices
General household waste, not including anything that contains gypsum or asbestos material, is free of charge. However, all households are encouraged to separate their waste and put anything suitable for recycling aside.
Disposing of active waste can cost you £166.35 per tonne; this includes landfill tax and the disposal charge. On the other hand, inactive waste can cost you £70.90 per tonne, including landfill tax and disposal charge.
Technology bill costs
Your average broadband package costs around £44 and includes a fixed landline and television package. You can shop around and perhaps find slightly lower prices too.
An average phone bill comes in at £38.22 per month, and if you are the type of person who likes to upgrade their phone every time a new model comes out, then you should expect your phone bill to be quite a bit higher.
You could also try to save a few quid on your phone bill by finding the best provider, using a sim-only deal, being on the right tariff, and not paying for unnecessary data.
Final Thoughts
These prices are just an average and will differ for everyone; your utility bills may be lower, or, unfortunately, higher. Being aware of how much everything costs can help you prepare for your monthly utility bills, and you will be able to plan ahead.
Getting a better understanding of your utility bills can also potentially help you cut down on costs in the next month, as you can be more conscious of your power usage and be more water-wise.
These bills are essential and must be paid for, so shop around for the best providers so that you can find one that is suitable to your budget and lifestyle!
