Are energy price cap rates different by region in the UK?
Yes. Ofgem’s energy price cap is set nationally, but the actual cap levels vary by region because local network charges (and a few other factors) differ. Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market tariffs for your home and see what you could pay in your postcode area.
- Understand why the cap differs across Great Britain regions
- See what “typical use” really means for your bill
- Compare tariffs available at your postcode (whole-of-market)
- Switch in minutes with a simple form
EnergyPlus is a home energy comparison service. Price cap figures are set by Ofgem and change periodically. Your actual bill depends on your tariff, usage and payment method.
Compare home energy deals for your region (by postcode)
Because the energy price cap varies by region, the quickest way to see meaningful numbers is to compare tariffs available at your postcode. EnergyPlus looks across the market to help you find tariffs that fit your home (including fixed and variable options where available).
Good to know: The price cap limits the maximum price suppliers can charge for unit rates and standing charges on default tariffs. It is not a cap on your total bill.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Tariffs you can get at your address (whole-of-market comparison)
- Estimated costs based on your postcode region and inputs
- Clear next steps to switch or request a call-back
Tip: If you have a smart meter, you may have access to additional tariff types. If not, you can still compare and switch.
Why regional price cap rates matter (and how it affects your bill)
Different standing charges
Standing charges can vary by region, driven largely by local network costs. This can make a noticeable difference if you use relatively little energy.
Different unit rates
Your electricity and gas unit rates can also differ across regions, even on the same tariff type, because distribution charges aren’t identical nationwide.
Switching decisions change
The “best” deal depends on your region and usage pattern. A tariff that looks cheap in one area may be less competitive in another once standing charges are considered.
Energy price cap basics (UK homes)
The Ofgem energy price cap applies to customers on default tariffs (including standard variable tariffs) in Great Britain. It limits the maximum suppliers can charge for:
- Unit rates (pence per kWh)
- Standing charges (pence per day)
Important: it’s not a cap on your total bill
Your total bill depends on how much energy you use. If you use more than the “typical consumption” figure used in Ofgem examples, you will pay more; if you use less, you will pay less.
Which tariffs does the cap affect?
Covered by the price cap
- Standard variable tariffs (SVTs)
- Default tariffs after a fixed deal ends
- Some other default products defined by Ofgem
Usually not covered
- Most fixed tariffs (price set by supplier, not capped)
- Specialist products with different structures (case-by-case)
So, are energy price cap rates different by region?
Yes. Even though the policy is national, the cap is calculated using cost components that include regional network charges. That’s why Ofgem publishes price cap levels by region (for electricity and gas) rather than one single number for every household.
What causes regional variation?
Electricity distribution region
Your home sits in a specific electricity distribution area. The cost of operating and maintaining local networks differs across these areas and feeds into standing charges and unit rates.
Gas distribution zone
Gas prices can vary by local distribution zone too. Not every home is on gas, but where it applies it can affect the capped charges for gas.
Losses and operating costs
The methodology includes allowances and adjustments that can differ by region and payment method, influencing the final capped rates.
Heads up: Northern Ireland has a different energy market and regulatory arrangements. This guide is focused on Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), where Ofgem sets the cap.
What you’ll actually pay: cap rates vs your real costs
When you see headlines about the “price cap going up or down”, it’s usually based on a typical household consumption figure. In reality, your costs are driven by your home’s usage and tariff structure.
You pay more if…
- You use more kWh than the typical benchmark
- Your region has higher standing charges
- You’re on a pricier default tariff (still within the cap)
- You have electric heating or high winter demand
You may pay less if…
- You use less energy than the benchmark
- You choose a competitive fixed tariff (where available)
- You reduce standing-charge impact by lowering days on supply (not usually possible) — or switch to better value where available
- You improve insulation/heating controls
Common misconception: “The cap means my bill is capped”
The cap limits the maximum rates suppliers can charge on certain tariffs, not the number of kWh you use. If you’re worried about bills, the two biggest levers are (1) tariff choice and (2) usage. Comparing by postcode helps with the first.
Next step: Use the comparison form to see your best options in your region.
What makes up the price cap? (Plain-English table)
Ofgem’s cap methodology includes a range of cost allowances. Some are broadly national; others vary by region. Here’s a practical summary to help you understand what changes (and what doesn’t) when you move house or compare tariffs.
| Component | What it means | Does it vary by region? | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network charges | Costs to transport electricity/gas to homes via local and national networks. | Yes (major driver of regional differences) | Standing charge and (sometimes) unit rate |
| Wholesale energy | The cost of buying energy in the market. | Mostly national | Unit rate |
| Policy costs | Schemes and obligations (e.g., support mechanisms) included in pricing. | Mostly national | Both |
| Operating costs | Supplier costs to run accounts, billing, customer service. | Typically national | Standing charge and unit rate |
| Payment method & meter type | The cap can differ for direct debit vs prepayment and other situations. | Yes (by payment method; region still matters) | Both |
If you’re moving home: your region may change, which can shift standing charges and unit rates. Comparing again after you move can help you avoid drifting onto a costly default tariff.
How to tell which price cap region you’re in
You don’t need to memorise distribution maps. The simplest approach is to use your postcode, because it identifies your supply area for the purposes of comparing tariffs and estimated costs.
- Enter your postcode in the comparison form.
- Confirm your details so we can match offers available at your address.
- Review tariffs with your regional charges factored in.
- Switch (if you choose to) with support from start to finish.
If you’re on electricity-only
You’ll still have a region (electricity distribution). Standing charges can be a bigger factor, so compare tariffs carefully if your usage is low.
If you have gas + electricity
You may see regional variation on both fuels. Comparing dual fuel can be convenient, but it’s still worth checking the combined cost rather than assuming it’s cheaper.
Regional considerations that can change your comparison result
Two households can be on the same tariff name and still see different costs due to regional charges and personal circumstances. These are the common factors to keep in mind when comparing:
Payment method
Capped rates can differ for direct debit vs prepayment meters. Always compare using your real payment method.
Meter type
Standard, smart, or (in some homes) multi-rate arrangements can affect what tariffs you can access and how costs are calculated.
Usage pattern
If your region has higher standing charges, low-usage homes often need especially competitive unit rates (or vice versa). Usage matters.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Comparing deals using national headline cap figures instead of postcode-based estimates
- Focusing only on unit rates and ignoring standing charges (or the other way round)
- Assuming a fixed tariff is automatically better — check the full cost over time
- Not re-comparing after moving home (your region may change)
FAQs: UK regional energy price cap rates
Is there one single UK energy price cap figure?
Not in practice. Ofgem sets the cap and publishes figures that vary by region and payment method. Headlines often quote a “typical bill” estimate, which is a simplified example rather than a universal amount.
Why do standing charges differ more than unit rates?
Standing charges include costs that can be strongly influenced by local network factors and how those costs are recovered. Because networks are regional, these elements can vary more noticeably.
Does the price cap apply to fixed tariffs?
Generally, fixed tariffs are not capped in the same way as default tariffs. However, fixed tariffs must still follow regulatory requirements and your supplier must treat you fairly. Always compare the full cost and terms before switching.
If I move house, will my price cap rates change?
They can. A new address may fall into a different electricity distribution region and (if applicable) gas distribution zone. That can change standing charges and unit rates under the cap for default tariffs.
Does my supplier choose my region?
No. Your region is determined by where your property sits within the electricity and gas network areas. Suppliers use those established regions when pricing and when applying capped rates.
Will switching remove regional differences?
Switching won’t change the underlying network region, but it can help you find a better-value tariff for your area. That’s why postcode-based comparison is key.
Still unsure? Start with your postcode and we’ll show options available to your home: compare energy tariffs now.
Trust & social proof
“The regional bit finally made sense — the comparison was based on my postcode, not a headline number.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“Quick form, clear options. I didn’t realise standing charges varied that much where I live.”
Homeowner, North West
“We compared after moving and avoided staying on an expensive default tariff.”
Home mover, South East
What “whole-of-market” means at EnergyPlus
We aim to compare a broad range of available home energy tariffs and present options that fit your postcode region. Availability can vary by supplier and by your meter/payment set-up.
See energy prices that match your region
Skip the national headlines. Compare tariffs using your postcode so regional standing charges and unit rates are reflected in your results.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Results tailored to your postcode region
- Simple form and clear next steps
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