November 2026: Wood Pellets Edge Ahead as Winter Heating Costs Peak
As autumn energy bills bite, wood pellets offer the lowest cost per kWh. Here's how to cut your heating spend this winter.
November marks the final push into peak heating season, and energy costs remain stubbornly high across all fuel types. For UK homeowners choosing between the main heating options, the cost-per-kWh picture has shifted meaningfully — and it's worth reviewing your setup now before December demand spikes further.
Where Prices Stand This Week
Today's benchmark rates tell a clear story:
- Wood pellets: 7.2p/kWh (lowest)
- Mains gas: 6.04p/kWh (Ofgem price cap)
- Heating oil: 99.7p/litre (~10.2p/kWh equivalent)
- Electricity: 24.5p/kWh (Ofgem price cap)
The gap between gas and oil has widened again, placing heating oil at its worst value relative to mains gas in months. Electricity remains a premium fuel for direct heating, though many homeowners use it only for water and appliances.
Wood Pellets: The Real Winner
Wood pellets now cost less per kWh than mains gas — a rare occurrence this year. If you have a compatible boiler or stove, this is the moment to stock up before winter peaks. Pellet prices can fluctuate with supply chains and demand, so securing your winter supply in early November makes financial sense.
Explore wood pellet options and suppliers
Gas Remains Stable (For Now)
The Ofgem price cap holding gas at 6.04p/kWh through November provides predictability, but don't assume this will last. Winter demand typically pushes rates higher in December and January. If you're on a fixed tariff, check your renewal date — switching before the winter peak could save hundreds.
Heating Oil: A Clear Cost Disadvantage
At 99.7p/litre, heating oil is now roughly 70% more expensive per kWh than mains gas. For oil-heated homes, this is painful but unavoidable unless you're considering a costly boiler upgrade. The silver lining: oil prices have stabilized after summer volatility, so bulk-buying now (if cash allows) locks in current rates rather than risking higher January prices.
Check heating oil prices and suppliers
What You Should Do Now
1. If you use wood pellets: Order your winter stock this week. Suppliers report increasing lead times as November progresses.
2. If you're on mains gas: Review your tariff end date. Switching to a new deal before 1 December could beat winter price hikes.
3. If you heat with oil: Calculate your likely winter usage and consider a bulk delivery now to hedge against January price rises.
4. For all fuels: Audit your home's insulation and heating controls. A 5% efficiency gain beats any fuel price advantage.
Energy markets don't reward hesitation. Lock in winter supply and rates this week — you'll be grateful in January.