Regional energy price cap rates by postcode (UK)
See how Ofgem’s energy price cap translates into real unit rates and standing charges where you live. Enter your postcode to compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and switch to a better deal.
- Check your region (GSP) and typical cap unit rates for electricity & gas
- Compare fixed and variable tariffs from across the market (home energy)
- Find deals that fit your usage, payment method and meter type
Price cap figures are set by Ofgem and vary by region, meter type and payment method. We’ll use your postcode to show the right region and help you compare options.
Check your regional price cap rates by postcode
Ofgem’s energy price cap limits what suppliers can charge on standard variable and default tariffs. But the cap isn’t a single UK-wide number: your regional network costs mean the unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) differ depending on your postcode.
Use the form to tell us where you live. We’ll identify your region and show whole-of-market home energy options that could beat the capped rates for your area.
Tip: The cap is commonly quoted as an “average annual bill” based on typical use. For choosing the best tariff, focus on unit rates and standing charges for your region and meter type.
What you’ll get after you submit
- Your likely electricity distribution region and gas region from your postcode
- A comparison of fixed and variable home tariffs available to you
- Clear breakdown of unit rates, standing charges and estimated costs for your usage
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals
Fill in your details and we’ll match you with available tariffs for your postcode.
Important: If you’re on a fixed tariff, your price is set by your contract and may be above or below the cap. The cap mainly affects standard variable and default tariffs.
Why regional price cap rates differ (and why it matters)
Network costs vary by area
Your standing charge and unit rate include regional electricity distribution and gas transportation costs. These differ across Great Britain, so the cap is applied with regional variations.
The “average bill” headline can mislead
Most news coverage quotes a typical annual cost for a typical household. Your actual cost depends on your usage, meter type, and regional rates.
Switching can still beat the cap
The cap is a limit, not the cheapest price. Whole-of-market comparisons can uncover fixed or discounted deals that reduce uncertainty and may lower your monthly payments.
How Ofgem’s price cap works (in plain English)
The Ofgem energy price cap sets a maximum level for what suppliers can charge customers on standard variable and default tariffs. It’s updated periodically and is built from underlying costs (like wholesale energy), network charges, policy costs and supplier operating costs.
1) Find your region
Your postcode maps to an electricity distribution region (often called a GSP group). Gas also has regional charging differences.
2) Apply the cap structure
The cap is expressed as maximum unit rates and standing charges for different meter types and payment methods.
3) Estimate your cost
Your bill is based on how many kWh you use plus the daily standing charge. Comparing tariffs means checking both figures, not just one.
EnergyPlus tip: Two tariffs can have the same “annual estimate” for a typical household but cost you very differently if your usage is higher (or lower) than average. Using your postcode and usage gives a more accurate comparison.
Regional energy pricing: what your postcode affects
In Great Britain, electricity distribution is split into regional areas. Your postcode places you into one of these regions, which helps determine elements of the cap-based standing charge and unit rate. That’s why the cap can look slightly different in, say, the North West compared with London.
What your postcode can tell us
- Your likely electricity distribution region (GSP group)
- The local standing charge range (varies regionally)
- Which tariffs are available to your address and meter type
- Whether local network costs may be higher or lower than average
What your postcode doesn’t decide
- Your household’s kWh usage (that depends on property size, heating, insulation and habits)
- Whether a fixed tariff will be cheaper than the cap (it depends on the tariff)
- Support schemes you may be eligible for (these depend on circumstances)
Want the fastest answer? Enter your postcode and we’ll do the regional mapping for you.
What “price cap rates” actually include
When people say “price cap rates”, they usually mean the maximum standing charge and unit rate allowed for default tariffs in their area. Here’s how to read those charges and why both matter when comparing.
| Charge | What it is | Why it varies by postcode/region | What to check when switching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (p/day) | A daily fixed amount you pay to stay connected, even if you use no energy. | Regional network and metering costs differ, affecting how high the standing charge can be. | High standing charge can cost more for low users; low standing charge can help smaller households. |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | The price you pay for each kWh of electricity or gas you use. | Some regional cost components apply in different ways; the cap’s allowed unit rates can differ slightly by area. | High unit rates hit high-usage homes harder; compare electricity and gas separately. |
| Meter type | Single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter tariffs, and prepayment can have different caps. | The cap is set per meter/payment category; availability varies by home. | Make sure you compare like-for-like (e.g. Economy 7 day/night rates). |
| Payment method | Direct Debit, cash/cheque, or prepayment. | The cap differs by payment type; supplier costs vary. | Direct Debit tariffs can be cheaper; check if the deal requires it. |
Next step: If you’re unsure about your meter type, don’t worry. Start with your postcode and we’ll guide you to the right comparison route.
Common mistakes when checking the price cap (and how to avoid them)
Mistake: thinking the cap is a maximum total bill
The cap limits rates, not what you spend overall. If you use more energy, you’ll pay more. Focus on unit rates and standing charges for your region.
Mistake: comparing tariffs without your region
A tariff that looks good in one region may be less competitive in another due to regional charges. Use your postcode to get accurate comparisons.
Mistake: only checking the unit rate
A low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge (and vice versa). For low usage homes, standing charge makes a bigger difference.
Mistake: forgetting meter type or payment method
Economy 7 and prepayment caps are structured differently. Comparing the right category avoids confusion and helps you make a fair choice.
Regional energy price cap FAQs
Does the energy price cap apply in Northern Ireland?
No. Ofgem’s price cap applies to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has a different energy market and regulatory arrangements.
Is the cap the same for electricity and gas?
No. Electricity and gas have separate unit rates and standing charges. The best value tariff often depends on your balance of electricity vs gas usage.
Why does my standing charge feel high in my area?
Standing charges include regional network costs and other fixed elements. These can vary by area. Comparing whole-of-market deals can still help if you find lower standing charges or better overall pricing for your usage.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my supplier?
Often yes, but it can depend on the amount and your meter type (including prepayment). If you submit the form, we can help you explore appropriate options for your situation.
Do smart meters change the price cap?
Smart meters can make it easier to access certain tariffs and provide more accurate readings, but the cap category you fall into depends on meter setup and payment method. Your postcode helps determine the regional component either way.
What information do I need to compare accurately?
A postcode is the quickest start. If you have them, your annual kWh (or recent bills), meter type (single-rate/Economy 7/prepay) and payment preference help refine results.
Still unsure? Use the postcode checker and we’ll point you to the most relevant options for your area.
Trusted comparison support for households across the UK
EnergyPlus helps homeowners and tenants compare energy deals with regional accuracy. Here’s what customers commonly value when using a comparison service like ours:
“Clearer than the headlines”
“I kept seeing the ‘average bill’ number. Entering my postcode made it easier to understand what I’d actually pay where I live.”
Home energy customer, Great Britain
“Better comparison for my usage”
“The breakdown of unit rates and standing charges helped me choose a tariff that matches my low usage.”
Flat occupant, England
“Quick postcode check”
“It was easy to start with just my postcode and contact details. I then reviewed options at my pace.”
Family household, Wales
What we prioritise
- Whole-of-market approach where available for home energy comparisons
- Regional accuracy using postcode-based mapping
- Transparent costs (unit rates and standing charges), not just headline figures
Ready to see your local capped rates and better tariff options?
Enter your postcode and details to compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs for your region. We’ll help you understand the real costs behind the cap and identify deals that suit your household.
- Postcode-based regional mapping
- Compare fixed vs variable
- Clear unit rate + standing charge breakdown
Start with your postcode
Go to the rate checker formHome energy only. Great Britain market. You can review options before making any switching decision.
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