Regional electricity price cap rates by postcode (UK)
Check which Ofgem price cap region your postcode falls into, what that means for your unit rate and standing charge, and when comparing tariffs can still help.
- Find your likely price cap region from your postcode (with clear caveats)
- Understand why rates vary by region, meter type and payment method
- Compare available tariffs with a whole-of-market quote (no obligation)
Figures and examples are illustrative and estimated. Your exact rates depend on tariff, meter type, payment method, and your property’s supply region.
Fast answer: do electricity price cap rates vary by postcode?
Yes — the Ofgem energy price cap sets different maximum unit rates and standing charges by region. Your region is based on your electricity distribution area (the network that delivers electricity to your home), which usually can be inferred from your postcode — but borders exist, and some postcodes span more than one supply area.
Important: the price cap is not a cap on your bill. It caps the price suppliers can charge per unit (kWh) and per day (standing charge) for a typical default tariff, with variations by region, payment method and meter type.
Key takeaways (UK)
- Postcode ? region is a practical shortcut, but the most reliable check is your current bill (look for your distribution network area / DNO) or ask your supplier.
- Rates vary by region, payment method (e.g. Direct Debit vs prepayment), and meter type (single-rate vs Economy 7).
- If you’re already on a fixed tariff, the cap doesn’t set your rates — your contract does. If you’re on a standard variable tariff (SVT), your rates usually track the cap.
- Even in a capped world, comparing can still help: some fixed deals may be competitive, and you may prefer different contract terms (e.g. exit fees, tariff features).
Check your likely price cap region (and what it changes)
Your region affects the cap’s maximum electricity unit rate and standing charge on default tariffs. It does not change how many kWh you use — that’s driven by your home, heating type and habits — but it can change the cost of each unit and daily charge.
How to check your region (best-to-good options)
- Check a recent electricity bill: look for wording such as “electricity distribution region”, “DNO”, or a network name (e.g. UK Power Networks, Electricity North West). It may also show “Profile Class / Meter Timeswitch Code” for Economy 7.
- Ask your supplier: they can confirm the supply region used for billing.
- Use your postcode as a guide: helpful for quick comparisons, but boundaries can run through postcode districts.
Meter and payment matter: if you have a prepayment meter or Economy 7, the cap structure differs (e.g. day/night rates). Always compare like-for-like.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers you can sanity-check)
Scenario A: low user on SVT (Direct Debit, single-rate)
Assumptions: 2,000 kWh/year electricity use; standing charge 55p/day; unit rate 25p/kWh (illustrative cap-like figures).
- Unit cost (2,000 × £0.25)
- £500
- Standing charge (365 × £0.55)
- £200.75
- Estimated annual electricity
- £700.75
If your postcode sits in a region with a higher standing charge, that daily cost can matter more for low usage homes.
Scenario B: higher user considering a fixed deal
Assumptions: 4,200 kWh/year; SVT-like 25p/kWh + 55p/day vs fixed 24p/kWh + 50p/day with a £75 exit fee (illustrative).
- SVT estimate
- (4,200×£0.25)+(365×£0.55)=£1,252.25
- Fixed estimate
- (4,200×£0.24)+(365×£0.50)=£1,153.00
- Estimated difference
- £99.25/year
A fixed tariff can look better on paper, but always check exit fees and whether your region’s standing charge is materially different.
Compare tariffs for your postcode
Get a whole-of-market comparison tailored to your area and meter type. We’ll use your details to return estimated prices and key terms.
Tip: if you know you have Economy 7 or a prepayment meter, keep a recent bill handy so you can compare the right rate structure (day/night rates vs single-rate).
Regional differences: what changes under the price cap
Ofgem sets cap levels by electricity distribution region. Region names can differ between suppliers and publications, but they broadly map to the UK’s distribution network areas. The main practical differences you’ll see are:
- Standing charge (p/day): varies by region and can be a meaningful part of bills for low users.
- Unit rate (p/kWh): varies by region; matters more as usage increases.
- Rate structure: single-rate vs Economy 7 (day/night) and prepayment cap levels.
| What you’re comparing | Varies by region? | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (p/day) | Yes | A higher standing charge can outweigh a slightly lower unit rate for low usage homes. | Compare total annual cost using your kWh (or a realistic estimate). |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Yes | Differences add up with higher usage (electric cooking, tumble dryer, EV charging, electric heating). | Use your last 12 months’ usage if possible; otherwise estimate. |
| Payment method (Direct Debit vs prepay) | Indirectly (cap differs) | Prepay price cap levels are set separately; tariffs available can also differ. | Only compare tariffs that match your meter/payment setup. |
| Meter type (single-rate vs Economy 7) | Yes (structure and levels) | Economy 7 depends on your night usage share; wrong comparisons can mislead. | Check day/night kWh splits (if available) before switching. |
Decision checklist: who this suits
- You’re on an SVT and want to check if a fixed tariff is competitive in your region.
- You’ve moved home and don’t know your distribution area yet.
- You suspect your standing charge is high and want to see options.
- You’re choosing between single-rate and Economy 7 and want to compare properly.
Who it may not suit (or needs extra care)
- You’re on a fixed tariff with a large exit fee and short time remaining (check break costs first).
- You have complex metering (e.g. multi-rate legacy setups) where postcode estimates can be misleading.
- Your home is all-electric for heating or has an EV — you’ll want a usage-aware comparison (time-of-use may matter).
About “regional rates by postcode”: there isn’t a single universal public table that lists every postcode and its cap rates. The cap is published by region, and suppliers apply the region tied to your supply point. That’s why we recommend confirming on a bill if you’re near a boundary.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
1) Assuming the cap is your price
The cap sets maximum rates for default tariffs. Many suppliers price at or below it, but fixed deals can be above or below the cap depending on the market and contract terms.
2) Comparing the wrong meter type
Economy 7 has separate day/night rates and a standing charge. If you compare it against single-rate using the wrong usage split, the “cheapest” result can flip.
3) Missing exit fees and end dates
Fixed tariffs may include exit fees if you leave early. If you’re close to the end of your fix, it may be better to time your switch.
4) Standing charge shocks
Regional standing charges vary, and they apply even if you use very little energy. Low users should focus on standing charge as much as the unit rate.
5) Postcode borders and new builds
Some postcodes cover multiple streets that can fall under different network areas. New developments can also have atypical setups. If results look odd, confirm your region on a bill.
6) Confusing electricity and gas regions
Electricity regions are based on distribution networks. Gas has its own structure (and different standing charges). Make sure you’re comparing the correct fuel.
If you rent: you can usually switch supplier if you pay the bill, but check your tenancy for any process requirements. You don’t need your landlord’s permission in most cases, but you must keep the property’s meter and pay your bills.
FAQs: regional price cap rates by postcode
Is the price cap different in Scotland, Wales and England?
The cap is UK-wide, but the cap levels vary by region (distribution network area). Some regions align with national boundaries, but many do not, so a postcode check is the simplest starting point.
Does the cap apply to fixed tariffs?
No — fixed tariffs are set by contract. The cap mainly affects default tariffs (often called SVTs). If you’re fixed, focus on your unit rate, standing charge, end date and any exit fees.
Why do standing charges vary by region?
Standing charges recover costs that aren’t tied to usage (for example, network costs and operating costs). These can differ by distribution area and are reflected in Ofgem’s regional cap levels.
If I move house, will my region change?
Possibly. Your region is tied to the property’s electricity distribution area. If you move, your price cap region and typical standing charge/unit rate could change even if you keep the same supplier.
Can two homes in the same postcode have different cap regions?
It’s uncommon, but it can happen near distribution boundaries or in larger postcode areas. If you’re unsure, check a bill or ask your supplier to confirm the distribution region used for billing.
Does having a smart meter change my cap rate?
A smart meter doesn’t automatically change your cap region. But it can make it easier to offer certain tariffs (including time-of-use), and your billing should be more accurate if readings are received.
What if I have Economy 7 — can I still use postcode comparisons?
Yes, but you must compare Economy 7 against Economy 7 (or calculate the cost using your day/night usage). Postcode-only comparisons can mislead if they assume single-rate usage.
Will switching supplier change my cap region?
No. Your region is based on the local network, not your supplier. Switching can change your tariff rates and standing charge, but the underlying region stays the same for that property.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- February 2026
How we assess “regional price cap rates by postcode”
We designed this guide to answer what people usually mean by “price cap by postcode”:
- Ofgem publishes cap levels by region (distribution area), not by individual postcode.
- A postcode can often be used to estimate the likely region, but it is not a perfect key due to boundary quirks.
- The cap differs by meter type and payment method, so we treat postcode as only one input in a correct comparison.
Our scenarios use simple arithmetic to show how unit rates and standing charges affect annual costs. They are illustrative, not promises, and exclude any discounts, government support, or supplier-specific features. Your actual bill will depend on your tariff, regional rates, exact usage pattern, and billing dates.
Sources (UK)
Editorial note: We don’t sell business energy on this page. Guidance is for UK households (homeowners and tenants). If you’re unsure about your meter type or contract, check your latest bill before switching.
Ready to see tariffs for your postcode?
Get an estimated comparison based on your location and setup. Review unit rates, standing charges and key terms before you decide.
Estimates only. Tariff availability, eligibility and final rates can vary by supplier, meter type, payment method and credit checks.
Back to Local Home Energy