Compare UK energy tariffs today
The price cap rises 13.5% to £1,862 a year on 1 July 2026. Compare the whole market on your usage today and lock in a fixed or smart deal priced below the cap before the increase lands.
Compare nowQuick answer: should you compare energy tariffs today?
Yes. The Ofgem price cap rises 13.5% — from £1,641 to £1,862 a year for a typical dual-fuel home — on 1 July 2026, a jump of about £221/yr (roughly £18 a month). That cap only limits the Standard Variable Tariff. Several fixed and smart tariffs are already priced below the new cap, and some carry no exit fees. Comparing today on your actual usage lets you lock in a rate before the increase lands — the around 40% of homes already on a fixed deal are unaffected by the rise.
- The cap rises, it does not fall: £1,641 → £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026 (gas up around 24%, electricity up around 5%).
- Beat it with a fix: a deal priced below £1,862 protects you from the rise and from the £1,899/yr Cornwall Insight forecasts for October.
- Compare on usage, not the headline: the cheapest tariff depends on your kWh and standing-charge mix, not the typical figure.
- Tip: take a meter reading on 30 June so the old, cheaper cap covers everything you used up to that date.
Find a better energy deal in minutes
The price cap limits unit rates on the Standard Variable Tariff — it is not the cheapest deal, and from 1 July 2026 it sits at £1,862/yr for typical use. With the cap rising, fixed and smart tariffs priced below it can save you money and give you price certainty.
Enter your postcode and fuel type and we compare the whole market on your actual usage, so you only see deals that genuinely beat your current rate. It takes about a minute and there is no obligation to switch.
Why comparing now beats the 1 July 2026 rise
From 1 July 2026 the typical Standard Variable bill rises by about £221 a year. Locking in a competitive fixed deal before that date shields you from the increase — and because the rise is driven mostly by wholesale gas, gas-heavy homes feel it the most. Here is how the new cap compares with the old one.
Figures are Ofgem typical-use values for a dual-fuel direct-debit home; your bill depends on your actual usage. Looking ahead, Cornwall Insight forecasts the cap at around £1,899/yr at the next review on 1 October 2026 (current-TDCV basis) — still above today, and a fixed deal can hold your rate through it.
How to compare energy tariffs in 4 steps
- Grab a recent bill or meter reading. Your annual kWh for gas and electricity drives the comparison — if you do not have it, a good estimate based on home size and occupants works.
- Enter your postcode and fuel type. Unit rates and standing charges vary by region, so your postcode tailors the results to your area.
- Compare deals against the £1,862 cap. We rank the whole market on your usage and show the annual cost and how far each deal sits below the cap.
- Pick a deal and switch. Choosing a fixed or smart tariff priced below the cap takes about 5 minutes; your new supplier handles the switch with no interruption to supply.
What to check when you compare
Unit rate & standing charge
High users should focus on the per-kWh unit rate; low users watch the daily standing charge, which you pay whether you use energy or not.
% below the cap
A good fix should beat the £1,862 July cap. The bigger the gap, the more you save versus staying on the Standard Variable rate.
Exit fees & term
Check the contract length and any exit fees. Some fixes have no exit fees, so you can leave free of charge if a better deal appears.
Fixed vs variable vs time-of-use — which suits you?
Around 40% of homes are already on a fixed deal and will not see the July increase. If you are on the Standard Variable Tariff, switching to a competitive fix is the single clearest way to beat the rise.
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Compare UK energy tariffs — FAQs
Should I fix my energy tariff before 1 July 2026?
With the cap rising 13.5% to £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026, a competitive fixed deal locks in protection before the increase. Several fixes are already priced below the new cap and some have no exit fees, so you can leave if a cheaper deal appears.
What is the current energy price cap?
For 1 April–30 June 2026 the cap is £1,641/yr for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit home. It rose to £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026 (electricity 26.11p/kWh + 57.19p/day; gas 7.33p/kWh + 29.04p/day). Prepayment is around £1,812 and standard credit around £2,005.
How much more will I pay after the July rise?
A typical dual-fuel home pays about £221 more a year — roughly £18 a month — on the Standard Variable Tariff. Your exact increase depends on how much gas and electricity you use, as gas rates rise far more than electricity.
Why is gas rising more than electricity?
The July increase is driven mainly by higher wholesale gas costs, so gas unit rates rise by around 24% while electricity rises only around 5%. Homes that rely heavily on gas for heating and hot water feel the rise the most.
Does the July rise affect fixed deals?
No. Only the Standard Variable Tariff tracks the cap. The roughly 40% of homes already on a fixed deal keep their agreed rates until the fix ends, so they are protected from the 1 July increase.
Will energy prices fall later in 2026?
The next cap review takes effect on 1 October 2026. Cornwall Insight currently forecasts the cap at around £1,899/yr (current-TDCV basis) — still well above today’s level. A fixed deal lets you hold a known rate rather than ride the quarterly changes.
How do I compare energy tariffs properly?
Compare on your actual annual usage, not the headline cap figure. Check the unit rate, standing charge, contract length and exit fees, and how far each deal sits below the £1,862 cap. If you have an EV, heat pump or battery, consider a smart time-of-use tariff.
Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team. Last reviewed: July 2026. Rates verified July 2026 against the Ofgem price cap confirmed on 27 May 2026 for the 1 July–30 September 2026 period. We compare the whole market on your actual usage; figures shown are Ofgem typical-use values and your bill will depend on how much energy you use.
Beat the July price cap rise
Compare the whole market on your usage today and lock in a deal below the £1,862 cap.
No obligation. Reviewed July 2026.
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