ScottishPower has set out the variable costs that make up its 2026 Flexi product, with values applying from 1 January 2026 and revised values from 1 April 20261. The page lists these costs by region and by fuel, separating single rate electricity, multi rate electricity and gas1.
The costs are the components that sit behind a variable tariff, and the page states who sets each one and how it is tracked. Several are described as linked to the costs included in the price cap set by Ofgem, including the Renewable Obligation, Distribution Use of System, Transmission Network Use of System, smart meter costs and the Assistance for Areas with High Electricity Distribution Costs1. The Balancing Services Use of System is described as linked to National Grid's latest forecast, and the Capacity Market to industry capacity market auctions1.
In the Eastern region, single rate electricity shows a Renewable Obligation unit rate of 3.306 pence per kWh from 1 January 2026, falling to 0.818 pence per kWh from 1 April 2026, while the Capacity Market unit rate rises from 0.913 to 1.637 pence per kWh over the same period1. The Transmission Network Use of System standing charge rises from 13.5 to 22.26 pence per day, and the Distribution Use of System standing charge from 16.99 to 18.03 pence per day1. The smart meter standing charge falls from 4.71 to 4.46 pence per day1.
Gas rates are listed separately. The Gas Transportation charge unit rate rises from 1.557 to 1.88 pence per kWh, and the Green Gas Levy standing charge from 0.821 to 1.046 pence per day1.
| Eastern, single rate electricity | 1 Jan 2026 | 1 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable Obligation (p/kWh) | 3.306 | 0.818 |
| Capacity Market (p/kWh) | 0.913 | 1.637 |
| Balancing Services Use of System (p/kWh) | 1.797 | 1.586 |
| Distribution Use of System (p/day) | 16.99 | 18.03 |
| Transmission Network Use of System (p/day) | 13.5 | 22.26 |
| Smart meter costs (p/day) | 4.71 | 4.46 |
The page describes the components in its own terms:
"This is a cost that has to be paid to energy generators to ensure energy supply is available to meet consumer demand. It ensures there is always a security of supply."
Why it matters for households
These are the non-energy costs inside a variable deal, and they move on their own timetable rather than with wholesale prices. A household on a Flexi product pays them through the unit rate and the daily standing charge, so a fall in one component can be offset by a rise in another. The standing charge is paid regardless of how much gas or electricity is used, which affects the arithmetic of appliance running costs and of shifting load to cheaper hours on a multi rate meter, as set out in Economy 7 versus single rate. For a home weighing up a fixed or tracker deal, the quarterly reset of these costs is part of what a fixed price removes and a variable price keeps. The wider price cap framework is the reference point the page cites for most of the components.
What happens next
The revised values take effect from 1 April 20261. The page does not state whether further changes are planned after that date, and no other revisions have been reported.
Sources1 cited
- flexi-2026-charges | Gas and Electricity Company | ScottishPower, scottishpower.co.uk