What is the UK energy price cap right now (2026)?

From 1 April to 30 June 2026 the Ofgem price cap is 1,641 pounds a year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit - based on 24.67p/kWh for electricity, 5.74p/kWh for gas and a 57.21p/day standing charge. Prepayment is 1,597 pounds and cash/cheque is 1,772 pounds. The cap limits unit rates, not your total bill, so you pay more if you use more.

How much will the energy price cap rise in July 2026?

Ofgem confirms the July to September 2026 cap on 27 May 2026. Industry forecasters including Cornwall Insight and EDF expect a rise of around 13 percent - roughly 200 to 209 pounds - taking a typical dual-fuel bill from 1,641 pounds to about 1,862 pounds (confirmed by Ofgem on 27 May 2026) from 1 July 2026. The main driver is higher wholesale gas prices after supply disruption in early 2026.

Should I fix my energy tariff before the July 2026 price cap rise?

If a fixed tariff is priced below the current 1,641 pound cap and below the forecast July level of 1,862 pounds (confirmed by Ofgem), fixing now locks in todays rate and protects you from the expected July increase. Look for a fix with no or low exit fees so you can leave if cheaper deals appear later in 2026.

What is the difference between a fixed and variable energy tariff?

A fixed tariff locks your unit rates and standing charge for a set term (usually 12 to 24 months) regardless of price cap changes. A standard variable tariff tracks the Ofgem price cap and changes every quarter. Fixed gives certainty and protects against rises like July 2026; variable lets you benefit immediately if the cap falls.

How do I switch energy supplier and is it free?

Switching is free and takes about 5 minutes to start. Compare tariffs by entering your postcode and usage, choose a deal, and your new supplier handles the switch in around 5 working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee. Your supply is never interrupted - only the billing changes.

What is a standing charge and can I avoid it?

A standing charge is a fixed daily fee covering the cost of maintaining your connection to the grid - currently averaging 57.21p/day under the cap. No-standing-charge tariffs exist and suit very low users (second homes, small flats), but they carry higher unit rates, so they only save money if your consumption is genuinely low.

What is Economy 7 and is it worth it?

Economy 7 gives 7 hours of cheaper off-peak electricity overnight (typically midnight to 7am) in exchange for a higher daytime rate. It is worth it if you can shift 40 percent or more of your usage to the night - for example with storage heaters, an EV charger or a hot water cylinder on a timer.

What is the best EV charging tariff in 2026?

The cheapest EV tariffs offer off-peak overnight electricity from around 6 to 8p/kWh - far below the 24.67p cap rate - for charging between roughly 11pm and 6am. Leading 2026 options include Octopus Intelligent, OVO Charge Anytime and E.ON Next Drive. They suit any household that can schedule charging or large appliances overnight.

What SEG rate can I get for solar export in 2026?

Smart Export Guarantee rates in 2026 range from about 4p/kWh to 15p/kWh. The best fixed rate is Octopus Outgoing Fixed at 15p/kWh; pairing a high export tariff with a low overnight import tariff and a home battery maximises savings.

Why are my energy bills higher than the price cap figure?

The 1,641 pound figure is for a typical household using 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas a year. The cap limits the unit rate and standing charge, not the total bill - so if you use more than the typical household, or live in a higher-cost region, your annual cost will be higher.

Does it cost anything to compare energy tariffs on EnergyPlus?

No. Comparing tariffs and getting quotes through EnergyPlus is completely free with no obligation. We compare deals from across the UK market so you can see the cheapest gas and electricity, EV, solar and Economy 7 tariffs for your postcode in about 3 minutes.

Compare UK Energy Tariffs 2026 | July Cap £1,862 Confirmed

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