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

The Ofgem price cap is £1,663 a year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit (July–September 2026) — based on 26.11p/kWh electricity (57.19p/day standing charge) and 7.33p/kWh gas (29.04p/day). Ofgem has confirmed £1,723 for October–December 2026. Prepayment and standard-credit customers have their own cap levels. The cap limits unit rates, not your total bill.

How much did the energy price cap rise in July 2026, and how much more per month?

The July–September 2026 cap rose by 13% (Ofgem’s figure) to £1,663 a year for a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit household. Gas unit rates rose around 24% and electricity around 5%, driven by higher wholesale gas prices in early 2026. From 1 October the cap rises a further £60 (4%) to £1,723.

Should I fix my energy tariff under the current price cap?

The cap is £1,663 for July–September 2026. If a fixed tariff is priced below the cap at your usage, fixing locks in a lower rate and protects you from further rises. Around 35% of households are on a fix and unaffected by cap changes (Ofgem). Choose a fix with no or low exit fees so you can still leave if cheaper deals appear later.

Why is gas rising more than electricity in the July 2026 cap?

The July 2026 increase was driven almost entirely by wholesale gas prices, so gas unit rates rose about 24% (to 7.33p/kWh) while electricity rose about 5% (to 26.11p/kWh). Gas also sets the price of much of the UK’s electricity generation. The October rise is gas-led again: gas goes to 7.97p/kWh, while electricity moves to 26.32p/kWh with VAT removed.

Will energy prices fall later in 2026, and when is the next review?

Not on current forecasts. The cap rises to £1,723/yr from 1 October 2026 (confirmed by Ofgem on 26 August), and Cornwall Insight forecasts £1,872 for January–March 2027, with Ofgem confirming that level in late November. A fix with low exit fees keeps you free to switch again if deals improve.

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 12–24 months) regardless of cap changes. A standard variable tariff tracks the price cap and changes every quarter. Fixed gives certainty and protects against future cap rises; 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 3 minutes to start. Compare tariffs by 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 your grid connection — averaging about 86.23p/day combined under the current cap (electricity 57.19p/day + gas 29.04p/day). No-standing-charge tariffs exist and suit very low users (second homes, small flats) but 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–7am) in exchange for a higher daytime rate. It is worth it if you can shift 40%+ of your usage to the night — for example with storage heaters, an EV charger or a timed hot-water cylinder.

What is the best EV charging tariff in 2026?

The cheapest EV tariffs offer off-peak overnight electricity from around 6–8p/kWh — far below the 26.11p cap rate — for charging roughly 11pm–6am. Leading 2026 options include Octopus Intelligent, OVO Charge Anytime and E.ON Next Drive.

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

Smart Export Guarantee rates in 2026 range from about 4p/kWh to 25p/kWh, but the highest rates are tied to the supplier that installed your panels. The best open-market rate is Ecotricity Smart Export at 16p/kWh; Octopus Outgoing pays 12p/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 £1,663 figure (the cap) is for a typical household using 2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas a year. The cap limits the unit rate and standing charge, not the total — so if you use more, 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.

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