What does "price cap discount" mean for energy tariffs this month?

A price cap discount generally refers to fixed or discounted tariffs priced below the current Ofgem price cap level (for a typical household), so your unit rates and/or standing charges may be lower than what you’d pay on a standard variable tariff. The best option depends on your payment method, region and usage. Compare current deals and check the full tariff details before switching.

Are tariffs cheaper than the Ofgem price cap always the best choice?

Not always. A tariff can be below the price cap but still cost you more depending on standing charges, unit rates for your region, and your actual energy use. Look at the estimated annual cost for your household and consider contract length, exit fees and any price changes after an introductory period.

How can I find energy tariffs with a price cap discount on Energy Plus?

Use the guidance on this page to understand what to check, then review available tariffs and compare key figures like unit rates, standing charges, contract length and fees. For the most accurate comparison, use your latest bill and your postcode so rates reflect your region.

Should I choose a fixed tariff or stay on a variable tariff under the price cap?

A fixed tariff can offer price certainty for a set term and may be priced below the current cap, while a standard variable tariff tracks the cap and can rise or fall when the cap changes. If you value predictability and the fixed deal is competitive (including standing charges), fixed may suit you. If you want flexibility with no long commitment, variable may be better.

Can I switch energy tariffs if I’m in a contract?

Yes, but you may have exit fees depending on your current tariff. Check your contract terms or latest bill for any fees and the end date. Some suppliers waive exit fees within the last 49 days of a fixed tariff. Factor any fees into your savings calculation before switching.

How long does it take to switch to a new energy tariff?

Most switches are completed in around 5 working days, though times can vary. Your supply won’t be interrupted. You’ll usually need a recent meter reading (or smart meter readings) to ensure your final and first bills are accurate.

Will switching affect my smart meter or billing?

In most cases your smart meter should continue to work after switching, and your new supplier will use it for readings where possible. Billing can change depending on the tariff (direct debit vs pay on receipt) and whether you choose monthly fixed payments. Always confirm the payment method and billing terms before you switch.

What information do I need to compare price cap discount tariffs accurately?

You’ll typically need your postcode (for regional rates), whether you pay by direct debit or other method, and your annual usage in kWh for electricity and gas (found on your bill). If you don’t have kWh figures, your supplier can provide them or you can estimate from recent statements.

What should I check before switching to a discounted tariff?

Check the unit rates and standing charges for your region, contract length, any exit fees, and what happens when the fix ends. Also confirm whether the tariff is available for your meter type (credit, prepayment, Economy 7) and whether any discounts are conditional (e.g., paying by direct debit).

Where can I get more help choosing the right tariff?

See more guidance in the Cost Saving Advice section and review the options available to your household. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice/ and return to this page for the latest advice: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice/energy-tariffs-with-price-cap-discount-this-month

Energy tariffs with a price cap discount this month

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals that are priced below the current Ofgem price cap. Check today’s discounted tariffs and see what you could pay—without guesswork.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (gas, electricity or dual fuel)
See fixed & variable tariffs that undercut the cap (where available)
Quick form—get matched to tariffs for your postcode and usage
Switch support available, including help with smart meters and billing

Check discounted tariffs How cap discounts work

For domestic customers in Great Britain. Availability and savings depend on region, meter type, payment method and consumption.

Find energy tariffs priced below the cap—available this month

If you’ve heard there are energy tariffs with a price cap discount this month, you’re essentially looking for deals where the unit rates and/or standing charges come in lower than the current Ofgem price cap levels for your region and meter type.

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to tariffs that may be cheaper than the cap—whether you want a fixed tariff for budget certainty or a competitive variable tariff that tracks changes.

Important: The Ofgem price cap is a limit on the price per unit (and standing charge), not a cap on your total bill. Your final cost depends on how much energy you use.

What we need to show accurate discounted tariffs

Postcode (regional network costs change prices)
Fuel type (electric-only, gas-only, or dual fuel)
Payment method (e.g. Direct Debit) and meter type (standard, Economy 7, smart, prepayment)
Usage estimate (so you see meaningful annual costs, not just rates)

Check this month’s discounted tariffs

Complete the form and we’ll help you compare available tariffs priced below the cap (where available for your home).

Tip: Have a recent bill handy. If you know your kWh usage, we can give a more reliable estimate of whether a tariff is genuinely cheaper than the cap for your home.

Why use EnergyPlus to find price cap discounted tariffs?

Whole-of-market view

We compare across suppliers and tariff types to surface deals that may undercut the cap in your area, rather than focusing on a limited panel.

Cap-aware comparisons

We look at unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual costs so you can judge whether a “discount” is meaningful for your usage.

Switching support

From tariff selection to supplier handover, we help you avoid common pitfalls—especially around meter types, Economy 7 and Direct Debit setup.

Home-focused

This page is for domestic energy only. If you’re moving home or changing payment methods, we’ll help you compare like-for-like.

Clear next steps

You’ll see what matters: exit fees, fixed-term end dates, and whether a tariff is truly below the cap in your region.

Designed to be quick

A short form gets you started. If you want to refine quotes, we can follow up for usage and tariff details from your bill.

How “price cap discount” tariffs work in the UK

In Great Britain, Ofgem sets a price cap for standard variable and default tariffs. Suppliers can charge less than the cap—so when you see “discounted below the price cap”, it usually means the tariff’s unit rates and/or standing charges are set lower than the cap allowances for your region and meter type.

Ofgem publishes cap levels for electricity and gas (including standing charges), varying by region and payment method.
Suppliers price their tariffs—some fixed deals can be priced under the cap (or offer a lower effective cost for certain usage profiles).
Your actual bill depends on usage. A “discount” on unit rates matters more if you use more energy; a lower standing charge can matter more if you use less.
Availability changes. Deals come and go, and your best option can change month to month—especially when wholesale prices move.

Plain English: A cap-discounted tariff is simply a deal that’s currently priced more competitively than the capped default tariff in your area. It isn’t a special government rebate, and it doesn’t limit your total bill.

What affects whether a tariff is “below the cap” for you?

Two households can see different “best deals” even in the same town. Use the guide below to understand why comparisons should be postcode- and meter-specific.

Factor	Why it changes prices	What to check
Region (postcode)	Network costs vary by area, which affects the cap and supplier pricing.	Compare using your postcode (not national averages).
Meter type	Standard, Economy 7, smart and prepayment tariffs can have different rates and standing charges.	If you’re Economy 7, check day/night rates and your split.
Payment method	Direct Debit often has different pricing from pay-on-receipt-of-bill.	Make sure you compare the same payment method you’ll use.
Standing charge vs unit rate	Low users can benefit more from a lower standing charge; higher users from lower unit rates.	Look at estimated annual cost, not just one headline rate.
Tariff type	Fixed tariffs give price certainty; variable tariffs can fall (or rise) with market changes.	Check term length, exit fees, and when the fix ends.

Best practice: If a tariff claims to be “X% below the price cap”, ask: below the cap for which region, meter type, and usage? Your comparison should answer that clearly.

How to tell if you’ll actually save money

Compare estimated annual cost (not just rates)

A tariff with a very low unit rate but a higher standing charge might not be cheapest for low usage homes. If you want a confident answer, use your annual kWh from your bill.

Check fees, term length and what happens at the end

Some fixes have exit fees; others don’t. Also check what tariff you move onto when the fixed term ends (often the supplier’s standard variable tariff).

Watch for Economy 7 mismatches

If you have Economy 7 but don’t use much electricity overnight, you can end up paying more. A standard single-rate tariff may suit better (subject to compatibility).

Keep payment method consistent

Quotes can differ between Direct Debit and pay-on-receipt. For an apples-to-apples comparison, choose the method you’ll actually use.

If you’re not sure what tariff you’re on: We can still help. Submit the form above and we’ll guide you on what details to find on your latest bill or online account.

Eligibility: who can access discounted tariffs?

Most households can switch, but the best price-cap-discount options depend on your setup. Here’s what typically affects eligibility and pricing:

Home energy only

This page is designed for domestic customers in Great Britain. Business energy pricing follows different rules.

Meter and payment type

Prepayment and Economy 7 tariffs can have different market options. Smart meters can broaden eligibility for some deals.

Existing contract terms

If you’re in a fixed tariff, check your end date and any exit fees. Switching near the end of term can reduce risk and cost.

Moving home? You can still compare—just use the postcode for the property you’ll be living in. If you’re not sure about the meter type yet, we can help you identify it.

Common mistakes when chasing “cap discount” deals

Mistake 1: Using national averages

The cap varies by region and tariff pricing can differ too. Always compare using your postcode and meter type.

Mistake 2: Ignoring standing charges

A tariff can look cheap on unit rates but cost more overall if the standing charge is higher—especially for smaller homes and low usage.

Mistake 3: Switching to the wrong meter tariff

Economy 7 and prepayment have specific rules and pricing. If you switch to a mismatched tariff, you may pay more or create billing issues.

Mistake 4: Not checking end-of-fix conditions

When a fixed deal ends you may roll onto a standard variable tariff. Set a reminder to compare again before the end date.

FAQs: energy tariffs with a price cap discount this month

Is the Ofgem price cap the maximum I’ll pay per month?

No. The cap limits the unit rate and standing charge (for standard variable/default tariffs), not your total bill. If you use more energy, you pay more.

Are fixed tariffs included in the price cap?

Fixed tariffs aren’t capped in the same way as default tariffs, but many fixed deals are priced competitively and can be below the cap at the time you take them out.

Why do “discounts” look different on different websites?

Discount claims can be based on different assumptions: region, usage, payment method and whether the comparison uses unit rates or annual cost. That’s why we ask for your postcode.

Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?

Sometimes, yes—depending on the type of debt and meter. If you’re unsure, submit the form and tell us during follow-up; we’ll explain your options and the usual switching routes.

Will switching affect my supply?

No—your gas and electricity keep flowing. You’re changing who bills you. You’ll still use the same pipes and wires in your area.

How quickly can I move onto a cheaper tariff?

Timings vary by supplier and your current agreement. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, switching can be quicker. If you’re in a fixed term, you may want to time your switch to avoid exit fees.

Still unsure which option is best? Use the form above and we’ll help you compare discounted tariffs for your home this month.

What households say about EnergyPlus

“Clear explanation of standing charges and why my ‘discount’ quote wasn’t actually cheaper for my low usage. Ended up on a better fit.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“Helped me compare fixed deals under the cap and explained exit fees. Switching was straightforward.”

— Tenant, Greater Manchester

“I’m Economy 7 and always got confusing quotes. EnergyPlus explained the day/night split and found a tariff that suits my pattern.”

— Household, Kent

Trust note: We aim to present tariff information clearly and fairly. Your results will depend on availability and the details you provide.

Ready to check this month’s price-cap-discount energy tariffs?

Submit your details and we’ll help you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs that may come in below the cap for your region and meter type.

Postcode-based matching
Fixed and variable options
Support through the switching process

Start my comparison Understand the cap discount

Prefer to read first? Jump to FAQs or what affects your price.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026