Will my energy bill drop after the April price cap update?
The Ofgem price cap changes every quarter, but what you pay depends on your tariff, usage and where you live. Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market home energy deals and see whether switching could reduce your costs after April.
- Understand what the April price cap update means for typical UK households
- Check whether your current tariff tracks the cap (or not)
- Compare fixed and variable options with one simple form
- See the key factors that decide if your bills go down (or up)
For UK homes only. The Ofgem cap is not a limit on your total bill. You can switch at any time (check any exit fees on fixed tariffs).
Check whether you could pay less after April
If you’re on a standard variable tariff (SVT), your unit rates and standing charges typically change when the Ofgem price cap updates. If you’re on a fixed tariff, your rates usually stay the same until the fix ends (unless your supplier changes the contract in line with your terms).
The fastest way to understand what the April update means for your home is to compare against today’s whole-of-market options and check the estimated yearly cost based on your postcode and household details.
Quick reality check
- The price cap is not a cap on your total bill. Use more energy and you’ll pay more.
- Electricity costs more per kWh than gas, so electric-only homes can feel changes more sharply.
- Rates vary by region, so two households with the same usage can pay different amounts.
When a bill drop is most likely
- You’re on an SVT and the April cap rates are lower than your current SVT rates.
- Your current fix is ending and you’d otherwise roll onto an SVT.
- You can move to a competitive fix that beats your expected SVT cost.
Good to know
Comparing doesn’t change your tariff. If you decide to switch, always check tariff length, unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees. If you have a smart meter, your supplier can often complete the switch with minimal disruption.
What happens after the April price cap update?
Ofgem reviews and updates the energy price cap every quarter (including April). The cap mainly affects default tariffs such as the Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) and certain prepayment tariffs. When the cap changes, suppliers adjust their SVT unit rates and standing charges to comply with the new maximum allowed levels.
Whether your bill drops depends on three things:
1) Your tariff type
SVT and many prepayment tariffs tend to move with the cap. Fixed tariffs typically don’t change with the cap during the fixed period.
2) Your energy use
The cap is set using typical consumption, but your home may use more or less depending on household size, heating and insulation.
3) Your region
Standing charges and unit rates vary by region and meter type, so the April change won’t be identical everywhere in Great Britain.
If you want a practical answer (rather than headlines), jump back to the comparison form to check your likely cost and switching options.
Who is most likely to see their energy bill drop?
A price cap decrease in April can translate into lower bills for some households, but not all. Here are the most common scenarios where a drop is more likely:
You’re on an SVT (standard variable)
If the April cap level is lower than the rates you’re currently paying on an SVT, your supplier may reduce rates to match the new cap. Your direct debit might not automatically change immediately, but your actual charges should reflect the new rates.
You’re about to come off a fix
If your fixed tariff is ending around spring, you may roll onto an SVT. A lower April cap could reduce the SVT you’d move to—though you may still do better by switching to a new fix.
Your usage is close to “typical”
Because headlines often quote a typical annual figure, households with similar usage patterns may see changes closer to those estimates. If you use more, savings can be larger in £ terms; if you use less, smaller.
You can switch to a better tariff
Even if the cap falls, another supplier’s fixed deal may still be cheaper for your postcode and meter type. Comparing whole-of-market options helps you avoid paying more than you need to.
If you’re unsure what tariff you’re on, check your latest bill or online account for “Fixed” or “Standard/Variable”. Then compare deals here to see alternatives.
How the Ofgem price cap affects what you pay
In Great Britain, Ofgem sets a maximum level for certain default tariffs. Suppliers then price their SVTs within that limit. Your bill is driven by the unit rate (p/kWh) you pay for energy and the standing charge (p/day) you pay to stay connected.
Important: the “typical bill” is an illustration
You’ll often see a headline figure described as a “typical annual bill”. This is based on typical consumption and an SVT. If your household uses more/less energy, or you’re on a fixed tariff, your real-world costs will differ.
Price cap basics at a glance
| What it is | What it means for you | What it does not mean |
|---|---|---|
| A limit on certain default tariffs | SVT rates can move up or down when the cap updates (including April) | A guarantee your total annual bill will be capped |
| Expressed through allowed unit rates/standing charges | Your bill changes based on p/kWh and p/day, plus your usage | A single national price (rates vary by region and meter type) |
| Updated quarterly | April is one of the key points your SVT may change | A rule that fixed tariffs must follow during the fixed term |
What you can do now (even before April)
- Check your tariff type (SVT vs fixed) on your bill or app.
- Note your current unit rates and standing charges for gas and electricity.
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs using your postcode to account for regional pricing.
- Decide whether to fix or stay variable based on price, term length and exit fees.
Ready to see what’s available for your home? Use the comparison form.
Worked examples: why your bill may not match the headlines
When people ask “Will my energy bill drop after the April price cap update?”, they’re often comparing a headline figure to what they pay by direct debit. These examples show why the number you see on the news can differ from what lands in your bank account.
Example A: SVT household sees rates change
If you’re on an SVT, your supplier can change your unit rates and standing charges when the cap updates. If the April cap falls, your rates may drop.
- Your direct debit might stay the same temporarily to rebalance credit/debit on the account.
- Your bill can still be higher in April if you use more energy (e.g., cold snap).
- Standing charges may move differently from unit rates, depending on the cap structure.
Example B: Fixed tariff stays the same
If you fixed previously, the April cap update might not change what you pay at all, because your tariff rates are already agreed.
- A lower cap could mean you’d pay less if you were on an SVT—useful for deciding whether to switch when your fix ends.
- Check exit fees before leaving a fix early.
- Comparing can still be worthwhile if your fix is expensive versus today’s market.
Tip: check the numbers that matter
To understand whether April helps you, focus on: electricity unit rate, gas unit rate, and standing charges (all on your bill), plus your realistic usage. Then compare alternatives for your postcode.
Common mistakes when judging the April price cap change
Assuming your direct debit = your real cost
Direct debits are often smoothed over the year. Your monthly payment may not drop right away even if rates fall—especially if you’re repaying winter usage or you’re in debit.
Comparing your fix to the cap
The cap is mainly for SVTs and some prepayment tariffs. A fixed tariff can be above or below the cap illustration; what matters is your personal annual cost and contract terms.
Ignoring standing charges
Even if unit rates fall, standing charges can keep bills higher than expected—particularly for low-usage households. Always check both parts of the price.
Forgetting regional differences
Price cap levels vary by region. A “UK average” figure may not reflect your local network costs and standing charges.
Waiting too long to review
If your fix ends around April, you may have options before the end date. Checking early helps you avoid rolling onto an SVT by default.
Not matching tariff to your lifestyle
Some tariffs suit certain usage patterns better. A deal that looks cheaper for “typical use” may not be best for your household if your usage is much higher or lower.
FAQs: April price cap update and your home energy bill
Does the price cap apply to everyone?
No. It mainly applies to default tariffs like the Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) and some prepayment tariffs. If you’re on a fixed tariff, your rates usually don’t change when the cap changes.
If the April cap falls, will my direct debit drop?
Not always straight away. Suppliers may keep your direct debit steady to account for seasonal usage and any balance on your account. What matters is the actual rates applied to your consumption.
Should I fix my energy prices before April?
It depends on available deals, your risk tolerance and whether your current tariff is competitive. Fixing can provide stability, but you should compare the total estimated cost and check for exit fees. If you want a personalised view, compare whole-of-market deals.
What if I have a prepayment meter?
There are price cap levels for prepayment tariffs too. Your costs can change after April, but the impact varies by region and payment method. Comparing tariffs (where eligible) can still help you assess options.
Why do two households pay different amounts under the cap?
Because the cap is reflected through regional unit rates and standing charges, and households use different amounts of energy. Property type, insulation, heating system and occupancy all affect usage.
Is switching safe and will I lose supply?
Switching supplier is a regulated process and your gas/electricity supply continues during the switch. You’ll usually keep the same pipes and wires—only the billing supplier changes.
Trusted comparison for UK homes
“Clear and straightforward”
“I didn’t understand how the price cap affected me until I compared my tariff properly. The steps were simple and I could see the differences clearly.”
Home energy customer, Great Britain
“Helpful for checking options”
“My fix was ending and I wasn’t sure whether to wait for April. Comparing gave me confidence to choose a deal that suited my budget.”
Home energy customer, UK
Whole-of-market approach
Compare a broad range of home energy tariffs and use your postcode to reflect regional pricing—so the result is more relevant than a one-size-fits-all headline.
EnergyPlus comparison service
Get a personalised answer for your home
The April price cap update can change SVT rates, but the best way to know if you’ll pay less is to compare tariffs for your postcode and household. Submit the form and we’ll help you check your options.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Check fixed vs variable options
- Make a more informed choice before or after April
Already filled the form above? Scroll up to review the explanation in How the price cap works.
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