Ofgem price cap unit rates by region (April 2026)
A UK-focused guide to what the Ofgem price cap means for unit rates and standing charges in your region from April 2026 — and how to compare tariffs fairly.
- See how regional electricity distribution areas affect your capped rates
- Understand payment method and meter-type differences (credit, DD, prepay; single-rate vs Economy 7)
- Use practical examples to estimate costs before you switch
Figures on this page are explanatory and should be checked against Ofgem’s published tables for your exact region, meter and payment method.
Fast answer: what are the Ofgem price cap unit rates by region for April 2026?
From April 2026, the Ofgem price cap sets a maximum you can be charged on default tariffs (e.g., Standard Variable Tariffs) for unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day). The cap varies by region because electricity network costs differ across Great Britain’s distribution areas (and because of other cost components that can vary in Ofgem’s modelling).
Important: This page explains how regional capped rates work and how to use them when comparing deals. For exact April 2026 numbers, always cross-check Ofgem’s published tables for your region, payment method and meter type.
Key takeaway 1
The price cap is not a cap on your bill. Your bill still depends on how much energy you use.
Key takeaway 2
Regional differences mostly come from electricity distribution costs, which affect both unit rates and standing charges.
Key takeaway 3
Your capped rate depends on payment method (Direct Debit vs cash/cheque vs prepay) and metering (single-rate vs Economy 7).
Compare tariffs using your region’s capped rates (and your actual usage)
If you’re on a standard variable or another default tariff, the April 2026 price cap helps you check whether a fixed deal looks competitive. The fairest comparison is based on:
- Your postcode (sets your electricity distribution region)
- Your meter (single-rate vs Economy 7, smart meter, prepay)
- Your payment method (Direct Debit vs pay on receipt of bill vs prepayment)
- Your consumption in kWh (not national “averages”)
How to use unit rates to estimate your bill
Estimated annual cost ˜ (electricity unit rate × electricity kWh) + (electricity standing charge × 365) + (same for gas, if you have gas). For Economy 7, split your electricity usage into day and night kWh.
Scenario A: single-rate electricity + gas (illustration)
Assumptions (example only):
- Electricity usage: 2,900 kWh/year
- Gas usage: 11,500 kWh/year
- Payment: Direct Debit
- Illustrative capped rates: elec 24.50p/kWh + 58p/day; gas 6.20p/kWh + 32p/day
Estimated annual: (0.245×2,900)+(0.58×365)+(0.062×11,500)+(0.32×365) ˜ £1,752.
This is an illustration to show the maths. Your regional rates and standing charges may differ.
Scenario B: Economy 7 electricity (illustration)
Assumptions (example only):
- Total electricity: 4,200 kWh/year (35% night / 65% day)
- Night: 1,470 kWh, Day: 2,730 kWh
- Illustrative capped rates: day 27.0p/kWh, night 15.0p/kWh, standing 60p/day
Estimated annual: (0.27×2,730)+(0.15×1,470)+(0.60×365) ˜ £1,178.
Economy 7 only works well if enough usage shifts to night hours and your meter/tariff matches your heating setup.
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Tip: If you have a recent bill, note your kWh usage (annual or monthly). Comparing tariffs on your usage is more accurate than relying on a typical household estimate.
Why unit rates vary by region under the price cap
Ofgem sets capped rates using cost categories (wholesale energy, network charges, policy costs, operating costs and supplier margin). For electricity, the network component varies by distribution area (the local operator that owns and maintains the wires). That’s why the cap is published as region-specific tables.
Electricity region (distribution area)
Based on where your home is connected. It’s not always the same as your nation (England/Scotland/Wales) and it’s more specific than your county.
Payment method
Ofgem publishes different capped rates for Direct Debit, standard credit (cash/cheque) and prepayment.
Meter type
Single-rate vs Economy 7 (two-rate). Smart meters can be single or multi-rate depending on tariff and setup.
Ofgem regional unit rates: a quick comparison table (guide only)
The table below shows illustrative examples to help you understand how regions can differ. For exact April 2026 price cap rates, use Ofgem’s official region tables and match your payment method and meter type.
How to read this: If your region has a higher standing charge, low-usage homes may feel the difference more. If your region has a higher unit rate, high-usage homes may feel it more.
| Electricity distribution region | Example elec unit rate (p/kWh) | Example elec standing charge (p/day) | What to check on your bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 24.2 (illustrative) | 55 (illustrative) | Electricity supply number / postcode region |
| South Eastern England | 24.6 (illustrative) | 58 (illustrative) | Standing charge (p/day) on current tariff |
| Northern Scotland | 25.6 (illustrative) | 64 (illustrative) | Payment method (DD/credit/prepay) and meter type |
| North Wales & Mersey | 24.9 (illustrative) | 60 (illustrative) | Whether you have Economy 7 (two rates) or single rate |
Note: Regions shown are examples. Ofgem publishes a full set of regional categories and rates for each price cap period.
Decision checklist: who regional price cap rates help (and who needs extra care)
This guide will suit you if…
- You’re on a standard variable/default tariff and want a benchmark.
- You want to sanity-check a fixed tariff’s unit rate and standing charge.
- You know your approximate kWh usage (from your bill or in-home display).
Use extra care if…
- You have Economy 7 (day/night split matters more than headline p/kWh).
- You’re on prepayment (different cap rates; top-up patterns can affect budgeting).
- You have electric heating, EV charging, heat pump, or very high usage (small unit-rate differences add up).
Before you switch, check…
- Exit fees on your current tariff (if fixed).
- Whether the new tariff has price guarantees or review points.
- Any bundle conditions (e.g., paperless billing, smart meter requirements).
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (April 2026 cap)
The price cap is widely quoted, but it’s easy to misapply. These are the most common UK-specific issues we see when people compare tariffs.
1) The cap applies to default tariffs, not all deals
Fixed tariffs can be below or above the capped rate. A higher rate might still be chosen for certainty, features, or shorter term — but it’s important to compare knowingly.
2) Standing charges can make “cheap unit rates” misleading
If your household uses less energy (e.g., a small flat), a higher standing charge can outweigh a lower unit rate.
3) Economy 7 comparisons need day/night usage
A tariff with a very low night rate may be poor value if most of your usage is during the day. Check your meter reads or smart data if available.
4) Not everyone can pay by Direct Debit
The cap (and many tariffs) differ by payment method. If you pay on receipt of bill or use prepay, only compare against the matching Ofgem table.
5) Fixed tariff exit fees
If you’re in a fixed term, leaving early can trigger an exit fee (often per fuel). Always check your tariff information label or account.
6) The cap is for “typical” consumption when headlines quote £/year
National headlines often quote an annual figure based on a “typical” household. Your bill can be higher or lower depending on usage, property, and heating type.
Tenants: You can usually switch supplier if you pay the energy bills, but check your tenancy for admin rules. You cannot be charged a fee by a landlord simply for switching, but practical setup (meter access, bills in your name) matters.
FAQs: Ofgem price cap rates by region (April 2026)
- Does the Ofgem price cap apply to fixed tariffs?
- No. The cap limits prices on default tariffs (including SVT) and some deemed contracts. Fixed deals can be priced differently. Always compare using unit rate + standing charge and your kWh usage.
- Why is my region’s standing charge higher than another region’s?
- Standing charges include costs that vary by location, particularly electricity distribution network costs. Ofgem publishes region-specific values to reflect these differences.
- How do I find my electricity price cap region?
- Your supplier can confirm it, and comparison services commonly infer it from your postcode. It’s based on the local electricity distribution area, not necessarily your county or local authority.
- Do smart meters change the price cap rates?
- The cap rates themselves are published by meter and payment type (including prepay). A smart meter may make it easier to access certain tariffs or provide accurate reads, but the cap is still set by Ofgem for the relevant category.
- Are Economy 7 capped rates different from single-rate?
- Yes. Economy 7 typically has separate capped rates for day and night electricity. To compare properly, you need an estimate of how much of your usage happens at night.
- If I move home in April 2026, which rates apply?
- You’ll usually go onto a deemed or default tariff at the new property first, which will be subject to the price cap for that region and payment method. You can then choose to switch (subject to any practical constraints like prepay setup).
- Can my supplier charge more than the cap?
- On a tariff covered by the cap, suppliers must keep unit rates and standing charges at or below the published limits for your category. If you think you’re being overcharged, check your tariff type and contact your supplier. You can also seek help from Citizens Advice.
- What’s the quickest way to compare with the cap?
- Use your annual kWh from a recent bill and compare total estimated annual cost using unit rates and standing charges. If you don’t know your usage, start with your last few bills or your online account history.
Trust, editorial standards and what we mean by “region”
How we assess and present price cap information
- Scope: Home energy in Great Britain. This page is not for business energy.
- Region definition: Ofgem “region” refers to the electricity distribution area used in price cap tables.
- Assumptions in examples: We use simple arithmetic from unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day) to show how costs can change with usage. Example rates are illustrative unless stated as taken directly from Ofgem’s tables.
- Limitations: Your actual bill can differ due to tariff structure, discounts, billing periods, VAT rules (domestic energy is typically charged at 5% VAT), and how your supplier sets Direct Debit amounts.
- No savings promises: We do not guarantee you will save by switching. We focus on helping you compare accurately.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem: Energy price cap (official cap updates and links to methodology and regional tables)
- Citizens Advice: Energy supply and bills (consumer rights and help if you’re struggling)
- GOV.UK: Energy bills support information (policy announcements and support schemes where applicable)
Transparency note: If Ofgem publishes revised tables for April 2026 (for example, due to an error correction), we will update this guide and the “last updated” date.
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