Energy Bill Income Percentage Calculator
Calculate the percentage of your income spent on energy bills. Assess your energy burden, identify fuel poverty risks, and manage your household utility costs effectively.
Financial Details
Enter your monthly energy costs and income to calculate your energy burden
Enter your average monthly gas and electricity bill.
Enter your total monthly household income (after tax).
Calculation Results
Energy burden percentage and financial breakdown
Enter your financial details above and click Calculate Percentage to reveal your energy burden and remaining income.
Energy Burden Thresholds & Classifications
Understanding energy burden thresholds helps identify if your utility costs are manageable or if you may be at risk of fuel poverty.
| Energy Burden % | Classification | Risk Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 3% | Low Burden | Minimal | Energy costs are easily manageable within your budget. |
| 3% – 6% | Moderate Burden | Low | Noticeable but generally affordable for most households. |
| 6% – 10% | High Burden | Moderate | Requires careful budgeting; vulnerable to price hikes. |
| > 10% | Severe Burden | High | High risk of fuel poverty and significant financial strain. |
Energy Burden & FAQ
Everything you need to know about calculating your energy burden, understanding fuel poverty, and managing utility costs.
The energy bill income percentage, often called the ‘energy burden’, is the proportion of your household income that is spent on utility bills (gas and electricity). It is calculated by dividing your total energy costs by your total income and multiplying by 100.
Generally, an energy burden of less than 3% is considered low and manageable. Between 3% and 6% is moderate. Anything above 6% is considered high, and spending over 10% of your income on energy bills is often classified as a severe burden or indicative of fuel poverty.
Fuel poverty is a term used to describe a household that struggles to afford adequate heating or energy for their home. In the UK, a household is officially in fuel poverty if they live on a low income and their energy costs are higher than average, pushing them below the poverty line if those costs were paid.
You can lower your energy burden by reducing your consumption (e.g., turning off unused appliances, lowering the thermostat by 1°C), improving your home’s energy efficiency (e.g., adding insulation, draught-proofing), or switching to a cheaper energy tariff. You may also be eligible for government grants or financial assistance schemes.
You can use either, as long as both figures are for the same time period. If you use your annual energy bill, you must also use your annual income. However, using monthly figures is often easier, as most people receive their income monthly and can estimate their monthly energy costs from their direct debit or past bills.