Ofgem prepayment meter price cap rates (April 2026) – check your options
Understand how the Ofgem price cap applies to prepayment meters from April 2026, what it means for your top-ups, and compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus in minutes.
- Learn how prepayment price cap rates work (unit rate + daily standing charge)
- See what can change in April 2026 and what won’t (your usage still matters)
- Compare compatible deals for home energy – not business
- Switch with confidence: clear guidance, no jargon, UK-focused help
Price cap figures vary by region and payment method. We explain the cap and help you compare tariffs; we don’t set prices.
Compare prepayment meter tariffs (whole-of-market)
If you’re on a prepayment (PAYG) meter, the Ofgem prepayment meter price cap affects the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on default tariffs. But you may still be able to reduce your costs by moving to a better-value tariff where available for your meter type.
Use the form to check options for your home. We’ll use your postcode and meter details to show compatible electricity and/or gas tariffs from across the market, including fixed and variable options (where available).
Quick clarity: there isn’t one single UK-wide “price cap rate”. The cap is published as typical annual costs and also impacts the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can set for your region and payment method.
What we’ll ask (and why)
- Postcode – price cap levels and network charges vary by region
- Fuel (gas, electricity or both) – to match the right tariff set
- Meter type (prepayment) – to show compatible deals only
- Usage estimate – to rank deals by likely cost for your home
Prefer not to estimate usage? No problem. Many customers compare using postcode and meter type first, then refine later with a bill or in-home display.
Why check prepayment options before April 2026?
The April 2026 Ofgem price cap update can change what suppliers can charge on default prepayment tariffs. Comparing now helps you understand where your current deal sits and whether there are better-value alternatives available for your meter.
Avoid overpaying on a default tariff
If you’re on a supplier’s default prepayment tariff, the cap sets a maximum—but you might still find a cheaper tariff depending on availability in your area.
Understand unit rates vs standing charge
Small changes in your unit rate (p/kWh) can matter more than headline “cap” figures if your home uses lots of energy—or less if you use very little.
Check compatibility for PAYG and smart PAYG
Some tariffs require a smart meter or specific prepayment setup. We focus on showing deals that match your meter type, to reduce dead ends.
Budgeting stays in your control
Prepayment helps many households manage spending. Comparing gives you a clearer view of what you’re paying per unit when you top up.
Spot seasonal impacts
If you use more energy in winter, a unit rate difference can have a bigger impact than the standing charge. We help you compare using usage estimates.
Whole-of-market comparison
EnergyPlus compares across the market to help you find suitable tariffs for your home—without relying on a single supplier’s view.
Ofgem prepayment meter price cap rates: what “April 2026” means
Ofgem updates the energy price cap periodically. When people search for “Ofgem prepayment meter price cap rates April 2026”, they’re usually looking for the maximum rates suppliers can charge on standard (default) tariffs from that point—and how that affects the cost of topping up.
Important: the cap is not a fixed bill for everyone. Your actual cost depends on your unit rates and standing charges and how much energy you use.
Does the cap set the same price everywhere?
No. Cap levels vary across UK regions because some parts of the country have higher electricity distribution and gas network costs. Prepayment and direct debit caps also differ, because payment method affects supplier costs.
Does the cap apply to all tariffs?
The cap generally applies to default tariffs (often called standard variable tariffs) for customers who haven’t actively chosen a fixed deal. If you move onto a different tariff (for example, a fixed-rate offer), that tariff’s rates can differ—subject to the supplier’s terms and eligibility.
Why prepayment customers pay attention to unit rates
With prepayment, you feel the price changes immediately when you top up. A few pence per kWh can be the difference between a top-up lasting a week or running out sooner. Comparing tariffs helps you see whether your current unit rate and standing charge are competitive for your region.
What you actually pay on a prepayment meter
Your total cost is typically made up of:
1) Unit rate (pence per kWh)
This is what you pay for each unit of energy you use. If your unit rate is higher, your credit depletes faster—especially in winter.
2) Standing charge (pence per day)
A daily fixed amount that contributes to the cost of keeping your home connected. On PAYG, this is usually taken automatically from your credit.
A simple example
If your electricity standing charge is 60p/day and you top up £20, then about £4.20 of that top-up covers the standing charge for 7 days (before unit usage). Your remaining balance then covers what you actually consume in kWh.
April 2026 cap rates: what to look for (without the guesswork)
When Ofgem publishes the cap for a new period, suppliers must price their default tariffs at or below the allowed maximum for your region and meter/payment type. Because the exact April 2026 figures depend on Ofgem’s published update and your region, use the checklist below to interpret any “cap rate” announcement accurately.
How to check your current prepayment rates
- Look at your latest tariff info from your supplier (letter/email/app) for unit rate and standing charge.
- If you have a smart PAYG meter, check your supplier’s app or in-home display for current rates.
- If you’re unsure, submit the comparison form and we’ll help you interpret your current setup versus available deals.
Tip: if your meter is repaying an old debt or has emergency credit settings, your top-ups may behave differently. It’s still worth comparing tariffs—but flag this during the switch process so you’re supported properly.
Common mistakes when judging the April 2026 prepayment price cap
Assuming the cap is your bill
The cap is based on a typical household usage model. If you use more than “typical”, you’ll pay more; if you use less, you’ll pay less—based on your unit rate and standing charge.
Comparing only electricity (or only gas)
If you have both fuels, the best value might come from a dual-fuel combination or separate deals, depending on availability and eligibility.
Ignoring standing charges
For low users, standing charges can be a big part of the total. For high users, unit rate usually dominates. Good comparisons consider both.
Not checking meter compatibility
Some tariffs aren’t available for PAYG or require a smart meter. A whole-of-market comparison helps filter to what you can actually switch to.
FAQs: Ofgem prepayment meter price cap rates (April 2026)
Will my prepayment top-ups be cheaper from April 2026?
Not automatically. If your supplier changes your default prepayment tariff in line with the new cap, your unit rate and/or standing charge may go up or down. Your top-ups last longer only if your effective prices fall or your usage reduces. Comparing tariffs helps you see whether you could pay less than your current setup.
Is the prepayment cap different from direct debit?
Yes, the cap can differ by payment method because suppliers have different costs for billing and payments. Prepayment cap levels are set using Ofgem’s methodology and vary by region.
Do I need a smart meter to switch from a prepayment tariff?
Not always. Some suppliers support traditional key/card prepayment; others focus on smart PAYG. Availability depends on your address and meter setup. When you compare with EnergyPlus, we aim to show suitable tariffs for your meter type (and options if you’re “not sure”).
If the cap is a maximum, why compare at all?
Because the cap doesn’t guarantee you’re on the cheapest available tariff. It sets a ceiling for default tariffs. Depending on the market and your eligibility, you may find a tariff with lower unit rates and/or standing charges than your current deal.
What if I’m in debt on my prepayment meter?
Switching may still be possible, but the process can be different if you’re repaying energy debt through the meter. It’s best to be upfront about it. If you’re struggling, see the support section below for practical next steps.
Where can I find the official April 2026 cap figures?
Ofgem publishes official cap updates, including methodology and regional breakdowns. This page focuses on explaining what the cap means for prepayment customers and helping you compare tariffs by postcode and meter type.
If you’re struggling to top up
If your credit is running out or you’re worried about disconnection, it’s worth taking action quickly. While comparing tariffs may help longer-term, immediate support can come from your supplier and available schemes.
Contact your supplier
Ask about emergency credit, friendly credit settings, payment plans, and whether you qualify for additional support.
Check eligibility for support
Some households may qualify for help through schemes such as supplier hardship funds or priority services (depending on circumstances).
Compare for longer-term control
If you can reduce your unit rate or standing charge, your top-ups may stretch further over time. Use the form above to check options.
Why thousands of UK households use comparison services
Trust indicators
- UK-focused energy comparison for home customers
- Whole-of-market approach to help you see more options
- Clear explanations of unit rates, standing charges, and cap terminology
- Accessible, mobile-friendly comparison journey
Customer comments
“I didn’t realise the standing charge was eating into my top-ups. The comparison made it much clearer what I was paying.”
“Helpful to see which tariffs were actually compatible with prepayment in my area.”
Testimonials are illustrative of typical feedback; individual experiences vary.
Ready to compare prepayment tariffs for April 2026 and beyond?
Submit your postcode and meter type to see suitable home energy options across the market. It’s the quickest way to understand whether you’re close to the cap—or could do better.
EnergyPlus helps you compare and switch. Ofgem sets the price cap methodology and publishes cap updates.
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