Am I On The Energy Price Cap?

Who is covered by the energy price cap?

The domestic energy price cap generally applies to households in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) who:

• Are on a standard variable tariff (SVT), sometimes called a “default” or “evergreen” tariff
• Have not signed up to a fixed-term deal with their supplier
• Pay for their energy by standard payment methods such as Direct Debit, prepayment meter or payment on receipt of bill

Most homes that have never switched supplier or tariff, or that moved onto a supplier’s default tariff when a fixed deal ended, will usually be on a price-capped tariff.

The price cap is applied automatically. You don’t need to register, apply or ask your supplier for it. If your tariff is eligible, your supplier must make sure your prices stay within the cap.

Who is not on the price cap?

You are unlikely to be on the energy price cap if:

• You’re on a fixed-rate home energy tariff that hasn’t ended yet
• You’re on a special or exclusive deal, such as a reward tariff, ‘tracker’ tariff or other non-standard product
• You live in Northern Ireland (a different system applies there)
• You share energy through a communal or district heating or landlord supply where you don’t have your own domestic contract

Some fixed or alternative tariffs may still be cheaper than the level of the price cap, while others could be more expensive depending on when you signed up and how prices have moved since.

How to check if you are on the energy price cap

You can confirm if you’re on a price-capped tariff in a few simple steps:

1. Look at your latest energy bill

Your energy bill or statement usually shows:

• Tariff name (for example “Standard Variable”, “Default” or “Flexible”)
• Tariff type (fixed, variable, default or prepayment)
• Unit rates and standing charges for gas and/or electricity

If the tariff type is shown as variable or default, you are likely to be under the scope of the energy price cap.

2. Log in to your online account

If your supplier offers an online portal or app, it will normally show:

• Your current tariff name
• Whether it is fixed or variable
• Your gas and electricity prices
• Your contract end date if you are on a fixed-term deal

No end date and a variable tariff type usually means you are on a default SVT and therefore covered by the cap.

3. Check your welcome pack or renewal letter

When you switched supplier or your fixed deal ended, your supplier should have sent you documentation explaining:

• Which tariff you were moved onto
• Whether it’s a default / standard variable tariff
• Any exit fees or contract length

Again, if there’s no fixed end date and it’s described as standard or default, it’s likely to be price-capped.

4. Ask your energy supplier directly

If you’re still unsure, contact your supplier by phone, chat or email and ask them directly:

• What tariff am I on?
• Is it a fixed tariff or a standard variable/default tariff?
• Is my tariff covered by Ofgem’s energy price cap?

Understanding how the price cap affects your bill

Being on the price cap doesn’t mean everyone pays the same amount. Here’s how it actually works:

• The cap sets a maximum unit rate (price per kWh) and maximum standing charge that suppliers can charge for eligible tariffs.
• Your total bill is still based on how many units of gas and electricity your household uses.
• If you use more energy than the “typical” household, your bill will be higher even though your unit prices are capped.
• If you use less, your bill will be lower, but your standing charges will still apply.

The price cap level is set separately for different:

• Regions in Great Britain
• Meter types (for example, prepayment vs credit meters)
• Payment methods (such as Direct Debit or on receipt of bill)

Price cap vs fixed tariffs – which is better?

Whether you’re better off on the price cap or a fixed tariff depends on your priorities and how prices move over time.

Benefits of being on a capped standard variable tariff

• Automatic protection: Your unit rates can’t go above Ofgem’s capped level for your payment method and region.
• Flexibility: You’re usually free to switch at any time without exit fees.
• Downside protection: When the cap falls, your prices will typically go down in line with the new level.

Benefits of a fixed home energy tariff

• Price certainty: Your unit rates and standing charges are locked in for the length of the contract (usually 12–24 months).
• Budgeting made easier: It’s simpler to plan your monthly spending when prices don’t change.
• Potential savings: If you fixed when prices were lower, you may pay less than the price cap level.

On the other hand, if wholesale prices fall sharply, people on the price cap may see bills go down faster than those locked into a more expensive fix.

What happens when my fixed tariff ends?

When a fixed home energy tariff ends, most suppliers will automatically move you to their default standard variable tariff unless you choose a new deal. That default tariff for households is normally covered by the energy price cap.

Before your tariff ends, your supplier should contact you to:

• Remind you that your fixed deal is ending
• Tell you what your new default tariff will be (and whether it is variable)
• Provide options to switch to a new fixed or alternative tariff

You can compare your projected costs under your supplier’s default capped tariff with any fixed deals they offer or with tariffs available from other suppliers.

How often does the energy price cap change?

Ofgem reviews and updates the level of the cap periodically based on the latest costs facing energy suppliers. This means your prices on a capped tariff can rise or fall when the cap is updated.

Whenever the cap level changes, your supplier should:

• Notify you in advance of any price increase or decrease
• Explain how your unit rates and standing charges are affected
• Remind you that you are free to switch to another tariff or supplier if you wish

Saving money whether you’re on the price cap or not

Regardless of whether you are on a price-capped tariff or a fixed deal, there are several ways to keep your home energy bills under control:

• Compare tariffs regularly: Check if there are cheaper home energy deals available that better suit your usage.
• Submit meter readings or use a smart meter: Make sure your bills are based on accurate usage, not estimates.
• Improve efficiency at home: Simple actions like turning down your thermostat slightly, draught-proofing and using efficient lighting can cut your consumption.
• Check eligibility for support schemes: Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for help such as the Warm Home Discount or other government support.

Frequently asked questions about the home energy price cap

Does the energy price cap apply to both gas and electricity?

Yes. The domestic energy price cap applies separately to your gas and electricity charges if both fuels are supplied on an eligible tariff. The cap sets maximum unit rates and standing charges for each fuel.

Is the energy price cap the same across the UK?

No. The cap applies across Great Britain, but the exact rates differ by region, meter type and payment method. Households in Northern Ireland are subject to a separate regulatory system.

Can my bill still go up if I’m on the price cap?

Yes. Your bill can go up if:

• The level of the cap is increased by Ofgem, raising unit rates or standing charges, or
• Your household uses more energy than before, for example in colder weather or with more people at home.

Am I guaranteed to be on the cheapest tariff if I’m on the cap?

No. The price cap is designed to prevent excessively high standard variable tariffs, not to make them the cheapest on the market. You may be able to find a tariff that is cheaper than the price cap level, depending on your circumstances.

Do I need to apply to be put on the price cap?

No. If your household is on an eligible standard variable or default tariff, the cap is applied automatically. Your supplier must comply with Ofgem’s price cap rules.

Does the price cap affect standing charges?

Yes. The energy price cap places limits on both the unit rate you pay for each kWh of gas or electricity and the daily standing charge you pay for access to the network and other fixed costs.