Npower: Out of Contract (Default) Rates - July 2025 Update
If you're with Npower and currently out of contract, it's important to understand the default charges you’re paying. These rates vary depending on whether you're a microbusiness or non-microbusiness, and by your metering setup (NHH, HH, EHV).
As with most suppliers, Npower’s deemed/default rates are significantly higher than fixed-term contract prices.
🔢 Quick Summary - Npower Out of Contract Rates (Effective 1 July 2025)
🔥 Gas Deemed Rates (Microbusiness & Non-Microbusiness)
| Band | AQ Range (kWh) | Unit Rate (Microbusiness) | Standing Charge (Non-Microbusiness) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 – 73,200 | 18.628 | £1.225/day |
| 2 | 73,201 – 732,000 | 17.264 | £7.191/day |
| 3 | 732,001 + | 16.953 | £28.745/day |
➡️ Gas Rate Change Note: Compared to April 2025, unit rates have increased by approximately 6.02% across all bands
🔥 Electricity - Non-Half Hourly (NHH) and UMS
| Type | Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Standing Charge (£/day) |
|---|---|---|
| All Units | 42.559 | 218.60 |
➡️ Up from 37.753p in April 2025: a 12.7% increase in unit rate
🔥 Electricity (Half Hourly - LV/HV and EHV)
| Time Band | Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Standing Charge (£/day) | Capacity Charge (p/kVa/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night (00:30 - 07:30) | 38.511 | £18.2626 | 7.493 |
| Non-Business Day (all other) | 45.768 | ||
| Business Day (Nov–Mar, 07:30–00:30) | 53.502 | ||
| Business Day (Apr–Oct, 07:30–00:30) | 42.750 |
➡️ Rates are marginally higher than April 2025 (e.g. +2.7% on night rate, +2.8% on peak day rate)
⚡ Why Out of Contract Rates Cost More
Npower’s default rates are structured to cover risk, balancing, and network costs when no formal agreement is in place. While they include green levies and key industry charges, they are:
- Up to 70% higher than fixed contracts
- Subject to regional pass-through costs and consumption bands
- Not fixed — they can rise with wholesale markets
Switching to a fixed-term deal could save your business hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
🔧 Npower OOC Notes
- Rates exclude VAT and Climate Change Levy (CCL)
- DUoS, reactive power, MOP and data charges may be passed through
- UMS and HH rates include many fixed policy levies like RO, FIT, CfD, and BSUoS
- Rates are published separately for micro and non-microbusinesses, but are identical as of July 2025
🔢 How We Help Businesses Like Yours
At Smart Energy Company:
- We compare live pricing across 28+ suppliers
- Secure competitive fixed-term contracts
- Handle switching, paperwork, and contract timing
- Ensure you never roll onto expensive OOC rates again
Whether you're about to expire, already out of contract, or want to review early — we can help.
🔢 FAQ: Npower Out of Contract Rates
When were Npower’s OOC rates last updated?
Npower's current default rates are effective from 1 July 2025 for gas and 1 April 2025 for electricity.
Do the rates differ between microbusinesses and non-microbusinesses?
Yes. Both standing charges and unit rates are higher for non-microbusiness customers across gas and electricity.
Are Npower's deemed rates negotiable?
No. These are published default rates. However, we can help secure bespoke fixed-term contracts through our supplier network.
How quickly can I switch from Npower's default rates?
Under the Faster Switching process, switching typically completes within 2 to 5 business days after a new contract is agreed.
Do all of these rates include environmental levies?
Yes. Charges like the Renewables Obligation (RO), Contracts for Difference (CfD), Feed-in Tariff (FIT), and Capacity Mechanism (CM) are included.
🔧 Take Action Now
Don't let these expensive out of contract rates eat into your profits. Take 2 minutes to request your no-obligation quote.
Disclaimer: Rates accurate as of July 2025. All rates exclude VAT and CCL. Site-specific charges may apply depending on your metering configuration and consumption profile.
Explore More Insights
Dive into more energy updates, market reports, and supplier insights tailored for your business
