Electricity Tariff, OEM Comparison and Water Bill Calculator 2026

The Singapore electricity tariff for Q3 2026 (1 July to 30 September 2026) is 31.91 cents/kWh before GST, or 34.78 cents/kWh including 9% GST. This represents a 17.0% increase from the Q2 2026 tariff of 29.72 cents/kWh (incl. GST). The tariff is set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) based on average natural gas prices from January to mid-March 2026 — a period when global natural gas prices rose significantly due to Middle East supply disruptions. Singapore’s electricity is generated predominantly from imported natural gas, making its electricity tariff highly sensitive to global LNG price movements. EMA uses a 2.5-month averaging period to smooth out short-term spikes, but the Q1-Q2 2026 gas price rise was sustained enough to produce a significant Q3 tariff increase. SP Group noted that “the electricity tariffs in subsequent quarters are expected to increase further” as the full effect of elevated gas prices is incorporated — a warning that the Q3 rate may not be the peak.

Singapore’s Open Electricity Market (OEM) allows all Singapore households to choose their electricity retailer rather than defaulting to SP Group at the regulated tariff. Regardless of which retailer you choose, the electricity is delivered through the same national power grid managed by SP Group — there is no difference in electricity quality or reliability. What changes is the price plan: OEM retailers offer fixed-rate plans, discount-off-tariff (DOTS) plans, and time-of-use plans, often at rates below the SP regulated tariff. The switch process: compare available plans on the EMA Retailer Comparison Sheet or individual retailer websites, sign up with your chosen retailer online, and the transfer happens within 2 weeks. There are no additional fees to switch, and if you change your mind, you can switch back to SP Group or to another retailer at any time (subject to any early termination clause in your existing OEM contract). SP Group remains the default for households that choose not to switch, and serves as the safety net if any OEM retailer exits the market.

In Q3 2026, with the regulated tariff at 34.78 cents/kWh, fixed-rate plans are significantly better value than DOTS plans. The reason: DOTS plans (e.g., 1.64 cents off tariff, or 12% off tariff) float with the regulated tariff — at today’s high tariff, they provide a smaller absolute discount than a fixed plan. For example, Senoko LifeSteady DOTS (1.64 cents off): effective rate = 34.78 − 1.64 = 33.14 cents. Tuas Power PowerFix 24 (fixed): 28.87 cents. The fixed plan saves an additional 4.27 cents/kWh more than the DOTS plan. When the regulated tariff is HIGH (as it is in Q3 2026), fixed-rate plans save more in absolute terms because they are set below the elevated tariff. DOTS plans become relatively more attractive when the regulated tariff is falling — you still get a discount off an already-declining price. Given EMA’s own warning that tariffs may rise further in Q4 2026, locking in a 24-month fixed rate today is the dominant strategy for most households.

The Singapore water bill is calculated using a three-component formula, with 9% GST applied to the total. For domestic users consuming under 40m³/month (the vast majority of households): (1) Water Tariff: S$1.43/m³; (2) Water Conservation Tax (WCT): 50% of the water tariff = S$0.715/m³; (3) Waterborne Tax (WBT): S$1.09/m³. Sub-total: S$3.235/m³ before GST. After 9% GST: S$3.53/m³. For the portion above 40m³: Water Tariff rises to S$1.81/m³, WCT jumps to 65% of tariff = S$1.177/m³, and WBT increases to S$1.40/m³ — total S$4.387/m³ before GST, or S$4.79/m³ after GST. The current rates have been effective since 1 April 2025 following a two-phase increase (S$0.20 in April 2024, S$0.30 in April 2025). No further increase has been announced as of July 2026.

The Water Conservation Tax (WCT) is a PUB tax introduced in 1991 to reflect water’s scarcity value and incentivise conservation. It is charged as a percentage of the water tariff: 50% of the tariff for domestic users consuming up to 40m³/month, and 65% of the tariff for the portion above 40m³. The higher 65% rate above 40m³ is deliberate — it makes excess water use noticeably more expensive to discourage waste. At current tariff rates: the WCT in Tier 1 is S$0.715/m³ and in Tier 2 is S$1.177/m³. This means the total WCT paid on a 44m³ month is S$33.31 (40 × S$0.715) plus S$4.71 (4 × S$1.177) = S$38.02. Singapore’s water is among the most expensive in Asia after full costing, reflecting the reality that the city-state produces approximately 60% of its water from desalination and NEWater — both significantly more expensive than reservoir water. The WCT ensures that market pricing signals scarcity even when the base tariff seems moderate.

Based on the Q3 2026 regulated tariff of 34.78 cents/kWh (incl. GST) and typical consumption by flat type, estimated average monthly electricity bills are: 1-room HDB: ~S$52–S$62 (150–180 kWh); 2-room HDB: ~S$62–S$79 (180–230 kWh); 3-room HDB: ~S$93–S$115 (270–330 kWh); 4-room HDB: ~S$108–S$135 (310–390 kWh); 5-room HDB: ~S$132–S$156 (380–450 kWh); Executive HDB: ~S$156–S$191 (450–550 kWh). These are 15–17% higher than Q2 2026 equivalent estimates due to the tariff increase. A typical 4-room HDB family switching to the best available OEM fixed-rate plan could reduce their Q3 bill by S$20–S$26/month. The EMA’s SP Group tariff website shows average consumption by flat type and quarter for reference.

Yes — most fixed-rate and time-of-use OEM plans include an early termination charge (ETC) if you cancel before the contract end date. The ETC structure varies by retailer: some charge a flat fee (typically S$50–S$200); others charge a per-month fee for remaining months; some charge a percentage of estimated remaining contract value. DOTS plans generally have no early termination fee (the discount is on a rolling quarterly basis). When comparing OEM plans, always check the early termination clause in the consumer fact sheet — EMA requires all retailers to provide a standardised fact sheet before sign-up. If there is any chance you will move house or change usage significantly during the contract period, factor the ETC into your decision or choose a shorter contract length (12-month rather than 24-month). Note: switching between OEM retailers at contract expiry (at the renewal date) is always free — no early termination charges apply when the contract naturally expires.

The U-Save rebate is part of Singapore’s GST Voucher scheme — a government utility bill subsidy for HDB households, designed to offset the impact of utility cost increases. It is credited directly to the SP Services utilities account on a quarterly basis (typically January, April, July, and October). For 2026, the U-Save amounts (inclusive of a 1.5× regular amount enhancement under the cost-of-living support package) are approximately: 1-room and 2-room HDB: S$800–S$860/year; 3-room HDB: S$760–S$800/year; 4-room HDB: S$560–S$600/year; 5-room and Executive HDB: S$440–S$480/year. Private property residents, condo residents, and landed homeowners do not receive U-Save. The rebate amount is deducted from the SP bill — if the quarterly rebate exceeds one month’s bill (common for 1-room and 2-room households), the excess carries forward to the next month. Verify your actual U-Save amount at the GSTV website (go.gov.sg/gstvpaymentschedule) using your Singpass login.

According to PUB, the average Singapore resident uses approximately 130 litres of water per day, which equates to approximately 3.9–4.0 m³ per person per month. By household size: a single person uses approximately 4m³/month; a couple uses 7–8m³/month; a family of 4 uses 14–16m³/month; a family of 5+ uses 18–25m³/month. By flat type (national averages): 1-room HDB (~2 residents): ~8–10 m³/month; 2-room HDB: ~10–12 m³/month; 3-room HDB: ~12–15 m³/month; 4-room HDB: ~15–18 m³/month; 5-room HDB: ~18–22 m³/month; Executive/condo: 20–30+ m³/month. Singapore’s per-capita daily water consumption has declined from 165 litres/day in 2003 to 130 litres/day in 2026 — a significant conservation achievement. PUB’s target is 130 litres/day, which Singapore currently meets. The 40m³/month billing threshold is equivalent to approximately 1,333 litres/day — well above what any typical residential household uses, meaning the vast majority of Singapore homes remain entirely in Tier 1.

Yes — you can return to SP Group’s regulated tariff at any time, subject to the terms of your current OEM contract. If you are on a DOTS plan (no contract, rolling monthly), you can switch back to SP Group with approximately 2 weeks’ notice at no cost. If you are on a fixed-rate plan with a lock-in period and have not reached the end of the contract, you may be subject to an early termination charge before switching back to SP Group. After the contract expiry, switching back is free and the process is the same as any other electricity retailer switch — contact SP Group or your current retailer to initiate the transfer. Note: if your current OEM retailer exits the market or loses its licence, SP Group automatically becomes your electricity provider at the regulated tariff — you will not experience any interruption in supply. SP Group is the designated electricity retailer of last resort for all Singapore residential consumers.

No — electricity quality, stability, and supply reliability are identical regardless of which OEM retailer you choose. All electricity in Singapore is generated by power generation companies, transmitted through SP PowerGrid’s national transmission network, and distributed through the same SP Group-managed distribution network to your home. The OEM retailers are simply billing intermediaries who purchase electricity from the wholesale market on your behalf and set the retail price. They do not own or operate any of the delivery infrastructure. Voltage, frequency stability, power quality, and response to outages are all managed by SP Group’s network operations team — this does not change based on your retailer choice. The only practical differences between OEM retailers and SP Group are: (1) the price per kWh you pay; (2) the billing terms and contract conditions; and (3) the customer service experience for billing enquiries. Your physical electricity supply is unchanged.

Yes — Singapore applies 9% GST to the full water bill amount, including the Water Conservation Tax and Waterborne Tax components. This means GST is effectively levied on other taxes already embedded in the bill. The Ministry of Finance has explained that the Water Conservation Tax is treated as part of the price payable for water — similar to how GST applies to the duties on tobacco, alcohol, and petrol, where the duty is embedded in the price before GST is calculated. This is technically legal and consistent with Singapore’s GST framework, which applies GST to the “consideration” paid for a supply — and the consideration for water includes all components of the PUB-approved price. The practical impact: the effective tax rate on water use is higher than 9% when expressed purely as a GST rate because the Water Conservation Tax itself contributes to the GST base. This structure is intentional — PUB and the government have decided that both the conservation signal (WCT) and the GST revenue base should be applied to the full water price. Future water price discussions in Singapore often centre on this compounding structure as a point of consumer concern.

As of Q3 2026, the most competitive fixed-rate OEM plans are in the range of 27.50–28.87 cents/kWh (incl. GST), compared to the regulated tariff of 34.78 cents/kWh. The best available plans at the time of this article: the best market rate is approximately 27.50 cents/kWh for a 12–24 month fixed plan; Tuas Power PowerFix 24/36 is 28.87 cents/kWh; Tuas Power PowerFix 12 and Sembcorp Fixed 12 are 29.68 cents/kWh. DOTS plans are less competitive at the current high tariff level. Rates change frequently — always verify current rates directly with the retailer or on EMA’s consumer price comparison portal before signing. The OEM market has been volatile in 2026, with some retailers adjusting rates quarterly. When comparing, ensure you are comparing after-GST rates for all options including SP Group’s tariff — the single most common error in OEM plan comparisons is accidentally mixing before-GST and after-GST figures.

The SP Services consolidated utilities bill shows three separate sections for electricity, water, and gas, though the layout can be compact. For electricity: look for “Electricity Charges” showing total kWh consumed and the total charge. If you are on an OEM plan, your bill continues to come from SP Services but at your retailer’s rate — the retailer’s name appears in the electricity section. For water: look for “Water Charges” showing total m³ consumed. The bill does not typically itemise Water Tariff, WCT, and WBT separately — it shows a combined water charge. For gas: look for “Gas Charges” showing consumption in kWh or m³ at the published gas tariff. The SP mobile app (SP Utilities app) provides a more detailed breakdown and month-by-month consumption history, making it easier to track which utility is changing and why. The myEnergyAdvisor tool on the SP website shows detailed consumption analysis by appliance type and allows comparison of your bill against similar households — useful for identifying unusual consumption patterns.

No further water price increase has been officially announced as of July 2026. The most recent revision was completed in two phases (April 2024 and April 2025), bringing the total water price to S$3.24/m³ before GST for the first tier. PUB has stated that the current price reflects the rising costs of water production and supply but has not announced a further increase timeline. PUB reviews water prices periodically as infrastructure and operational costs change — given the investments in desalination (five plants now operational), NEWater expansion, and sewerage network maintenance, future increases remain possible. Singapore’s water bill as a share of average household income remains below 2% — PUB’s stated threshold for affordability. Any future increase would be announced well in advance, typically as part of the Budget announcement or a separate PUB press release, with phased implementation to mitigate immediate impact on households. Monitor PUB’s official website and Singapore Budget announcements for any future revisions.

The Singapore gas tariff for Q3 2026 (July–September 2026) is 23.48 cents/kWh before GST. Like the electricity tariff, the gas tariff is revised quarterly by SP Group based on global gas price movements. Gas charges appear as a separate line item on the consolidated SP utilities bill. Consumption is measured in kWh. The gas tariff applies to piped natural gas — not all Singapore residences have a piped gas connection. HDB flats in older estates typically have piped gas; many newer HDB blocks and condominiums use induction cooking (electricity) without a gas connection. If your home does not have a piped gas connection, there will be no gas component on your SP bill. Gas is used primarily for cooking (hob burners) and water heating in Singapore residential properties. Energy-efficiency tip: switching from gas to induction cooking reduces kitchen energy use substantially at current gas tariff rates, though the calculus depends on the relative electricity and gas tariff levels at the time of the decision.