Regional energy price cap rates in the UK today
Check what the Ofgem price cap means for your region, how unit rates and standing charges work, and compare whole-of-market home energy deals in minutes with EnergyPlus.co.uk.
- Understand today’s price cap levels (and what they do and don’t control)
- See why prices vary by region (distribution networks) and meter type
- Compare electricity & gas tariffs across the market for your postcode
- Switch online with a quick form — no phone calls required
Home energy only. Price cap is set by Ofgem and applies to standard variable/default tariffs. Your actual bill depends on usage, region, meter type and tariff.
Compare regional price cap rates and find a better home tariff
Ofgem sets a maximum unit rate and standing charge for customers on standard variable and default tariffs. Because network costs differ around the country, the cap is published with regional variations (and separate values for payment method and meter type). That’s why “UK today” can still look different in London vs the North West vs Scotland.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Enter your details once and we’ll show available tariffs for your postcode — including fixed deals where available — so you can decide whether staying on a capped variable tariff is right for you.
What you’ll need (takes about 2 minutes)
- Your postcode (for your region and network area)
- Whether you have gas, electricity, or both
- Payment method (e.g. direct debit vs pay on receipt of bill)
- Optional: annual kWh usage (we can estimate if you’re unsure)
Get your regional rates and live deals
Fill in the form to see tariffs available for your home. No obligation.
Not sure who your supplier is?
That’s fine. A price cap comparison can still work without it. If you have a recent bill, it may help you match your meter type and usage more accurately.
Tip: If you’re viewing on mobile, the form sits below the information so it’s easy to complete without side-by-side columns.
Why energy price cap rates vary by region
When people search for regional energy price cap rates UK today, they usually want a simple single figure. In reality, Ofgem publishes cap values using a set of regional bands because some parts of the UK cost more to serve than others.
Distribution network costs
Your region maps to a local electricity distribution network area (and gas distribution where relevant). Different network charges drive different capped standing charges and unit rates.
Payment method & meter type
The cap is set separately for Direct Debit, standard credit (pay on receipt), and prepayment. Economy 7 and smart meters can also affect how you pay and how usage is billed.
Standing charge differences
Even if two households use the same kWh, a higher standing charge can change the total annual cost. Regional standing charges are a major reason totals differ.
Important: the Ofgem cap is not a limit on your total bill. It’s a cap on the price per unit (kWh) and the daily standing charge. If you use more energy, you pay more — even on a capped tariff.
What the Ofgem price cap is (and who it applies to)
The Ofgem energy price cap sets a maximum that suppliers can charge per kWh and as a daily standing charge for domestic customers on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) and default tariffs. It’s reviewed periodically and can go up or down.
The cap typically affects you if:
- You’ve never switched and are on a default tariff
- Your fixed deal ended and you rolled onto an SVT
- You’re on a supplier’s variable product that tracks the cap
The cap may not apply if:
- You’re on a fixed tariff (your contract rates apply)
- You have a specialist tariff with different rules (for example, some time-of-use products)
Quick glossary
- Unit rate (kWh)
- What you pay for each unit of gas or electricity you use.
- Standing charge (per day)
- A daily fixed charge covering network costs and maintaining your supply.
- Region
- Your network area, usually determined by postcode, used in cap calculations.
- SVT
- A variable tariff that can change; many SVTs follow the cap level.
If you want the most accurate “today” picture, compare using your postcode and payment method. National headlines often quote an average, not your local cap value.
Typical capped charges: what to look at
Because the cap varies by region and can change at set review points, the best way to see your exact rates is to compare by postcode. The table below explains what you’ll see on results pages and energy bills, so you can make a confident decision.
| Charge | What it means | Why it varies regionally | How to use it when comparing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate | Price per kWh of electricity used. | Network and operating costs differ by distribution region. | Multiply by your kWh usage (or estimate) to see annual cost impact. |
| Electricity standing charge | Daily fixed cost, even if you use no electricity. | Regional network maintenance and policy costs vary. | High standing charges can outweigh small unit-rate savings for low users. |
| Gas unit rate | Price per kWh of gas used. | Gas distribution costs differ by area and infrastructure. | Most valuable to check if your home uses gas for heating/hot water. |
| Gas standing charge | Daily cost for keeping your gas connection active. | Regional networks and maintenance charges vary. | If you use very little gas, this can dominate your total cost. |
Why you might see an “average annual cost” figure
Media often references an average household cost to help people compare periods. It’s a guide only. Your home’s cost depends on how much energy you use, not just the cap level.
Best practice for comparing tariffs
Compare using kWh usage if you have it (from your bill). If you don’t, we’ll estimate based on typical household profiles — you can refine later.
How to check your regional cap level and switch (if it suits you)
If you’re on a capped SVT, you can still compare. In some periods, fixed deals can offer stability; in others, a variable capped tariff may be competitive. Here’s the simplest way to decide.
-
Find your region with your postcode
Your postcode links to a distribution area, which affects cap rates and standing charges. -
Choose your payment method
Direct Debit, pay on receipt of bill, and prepayment can have different capped prices. -
Compare whole-of-market tariffs
We show available home energy deals for your circumstances — so you can compare like-for-like. -
Switch online
If you choose to switch, your new supplier will normally handle the transfer. Your supply stays on during the switch.
Avoid these common switching mistakes
- Comparing only headline prices (ignore standing charge at your peril, especially for low usage)
- Forgetting tariff end dates (fixed deals can roll onto higher SVTs when they expire)
- Not matching meter type (Economy 7/time-of-use needs the right tariff)
- Guessing usage wildly (use a bill if possible; otherwise use a careful estimate)
Why compare with EnergyPlus.co.uk
Whole-of-market options
See a broad set of available home tariffs for your postcode and preferences, so you can compare beyond a single supplier’s prices.
Regional accuracy
We focus on the details that change your bill: region, standing charge, meter type and payment method.
Built for quick decisions
Clear comparisons and a simple form. Save your results and come back when you’re ready.
Regional considerations: what can change your “today” rate
Even within the same region, two households can see different costs depending on their setup. If you’re trying to work out whether you’re paying too much, these are the items that most often explain the difference.
Meter type and tariffs
- Single-rate electricity vs Economy 7 (day/night rates)
- Smart meter availability and time-of-use products
- Prepayment meter tariffs and top-up methods
Household usage profile
- Electric heating vs gas boiler (big impact on electricity usage)
- Home working and daytime consumption
- Property insulation and heating patterns
If you want to sanity-check your bill quickly
Look for the unit rate and standing charge on your bill, then compare them to the offers you see using your postcode. If your SVT rates look high, a switch (or a better variable product) may reduce your costs — depending on what’s available in your area.
FAQs: regional energy price cap rates
Are energy prices capped everywhere in the UK?
Ofgem’s price cap applies to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for customers on standard variable and default tariffs. Northern Ireland has a different energy market and regulator arrangements.
Does the price cap mean my bill can’t rise?
No. It caps the unit rate and standing charge on certain tariffs. If you use more energy, your bill increases. Also, the cap itself can change at review points.
Why is my standing charge higher than a friend’s?
Standing charges can differ by region, supplier, and payment method, and may change over time. Comparing by postcode is the quickest way to see what “normal” looks like for your area.
Should I fix or stay on a capped variable tariff?
It depends on what’s available in your region and your preference for certainty. Fixing can stabilise your rates; staying variable can help you benefit if capped rates fall. Use the comparison form to see options for your postcode.
Will switching affect my supply?
No — your energy stays on. Your new supplier typically manages the switch and you’ll just provide meter readings at the right time.
Can I compare if I don’t know my usage?
Yes. If you don’t have kWh figures, we can use an estimate. For the most accurate results, use a recent bill or smart meter statement when you can.
Still unsure? Use the postcode comparison form and we’ll show options tailored to your region, meter and payment method.
Trusted by UK households
People use EnergyPlus.co.uk to make sense of regional price differences and to compare tariffs without guesswork.
“I didn’t realise the standing charge in our area was the big issue. The comparison made it obvious what to look for.”
— Sam, West Midlands
“Quick form, clear results. We found a tariff that suited our usage rather than just chasing a headline rate.”
— Priya, Greater London
“Helpful to see regional differences explained properly. Switching was straightforward.”
— Euan, Scotland
What we prioritise
- Clarity on unit rates and standing charges (not vague estimates)
- Comparison tailored to your postcode region and payment method
- A smooth journey to the primary action: form fill and results
Ready to see your regional price cap rates and live tariffs?
Use your postcode to view home energy deals available in your area, and decide whether a fixed or variable tariff works best for you right now.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service. Ofgem price cap information is provided for guidance; your final costs depend on usage and tariff details.
Prefer to double-check first?
- Have a bill handy? Check your unit rate and standing charge.
- Know your payment method? Select it in the form for accurate results.
- Unsure of usage? Start with an estimate and refine later.
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