Regional Ofgem price cap rates by postcode (February 2026)
Check how the February 2026 Ofgem price cap rates vary in your area and compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs in minutes. Enter your postcode to see the standing charge and unit rate region you’re in, then switch if a better deal is available.
- Find your Ofgem electricity & gas region by postcode
- Understand unit rates vs standing charges (what actually drives your bill)
- Compare fixed & variable tariffs from across the market for your home
- No obligation—use the results to stay put or switch
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. You’ll be asked for a postcode and a few household details to personalise results.
Get the right Ofgem region for your postcode—then compare tariffs
Ofgem’s price cap sets a limit on the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs in Great Britain. The cap isn’t a single national price—rates differ by region, payment method and meter type.
EnergyPlus helps you match your postcode to the relevant regional cap rates (February 2026 period) and then checks whole-of-market home energy deals to see whether a fixed tariff could be better for your usage.
Tip: Your bill depends on your kWh usage. A region with a slightly lower unit rate can still pay more overall if standing charges are higher (or if your usage profile is different).
Compare energy deals for your home
Enter your details to see live tariffs available in your area (including fixed deals where available).
Why regional price cap rates matter (and how to use them)
1) Your postcode affects your cap rates
Electricity distribution and network costs vary across Great Britain. That’s why Ofgem publishes regional unit rates and standing charges rather than one UK-wide number.
2) Standing charges can outweigh small unit-rate changes
Low-usage households often feel standing charges more. Higher-usage households are more sensitive to the pence per kWh unit rate. Comparing both is key.
3) The cap is a limit—not a “best deal”
The price cap applies to standard variable tariffs. A competitive fixed tariff may be cheaper (or offer more certainty), depending on what’s available in your area.
Important: Northern Ireland uses a different regulatory framework and isn’t covered by the Great Britain Ofgem price cap in the same way. This page is for England, Scotland and Wales.
What “Ofgem price cap rates” actually are (February 2026)
When people search for “price cap by postcode”, they usually want to know the unit rates (pence per kWh) and the standing charges (pence per day) that apply in their region for the February 2026 cap period.
The cap is updated periodically and can change with wholesale costs, network charges and policy costs. Your supplier should show your current unit rates and standing charges on your bill or in your online account.
What varies by postcode?
Electricity region (distribution)
Your postcode maps to an electricity distribution region (often aligned to the local network operator). Ofgem publishes a separate cap rate table for each region.
Gas region
Gas standing charges and unit rates also vary by region. Your gas region is linked to the network area serving your home.
What else affects your cap rates?
- Payment method (e.g. direct debit vs pay on receipt of bill).
- Meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter configuration).
- Fuel type (electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel).
If you want the most accurate comparison, use your annual kWh usage from your bill (or your online account). If you don’t have it, you can still compare using typical usage estimates—results will be indicative.
Regional Ofgem price cap rates by postcode: how to identify your area
Below is a practical guide to the regional groupings used for electricity price cap rates. Your exact February 2026 cap figures depend on your region, payment method and meter type. Use the postcode form above to match your address and compare live tariffs available to you.
| Region | Often includes (examples) | Postcode checks |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern England | Norfolk, Suffolk, parts of Cambridgeshire/Essex | Often starts with IP, NR, CO (varies) |
| East Midlands | Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire (parts) | Often NG, DE, LE (varies) |
| London | Greater London | Often E, N, NW, SE, SW, W, WC (varies) |
| Merseyside & North Wales | Liverpool area, parts of North Wales | Often L, CH, LL (varies) |
| Northern | North East England (parts), Yorkshire (parts) | Often NE, DH, SR (varies) |
| North West | Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria (parts) | Often M, BL, PR, LA (varies) |
| Scottish Hydro | Highlands & Islands, northern Scotland | Often IV, KW, HS, ZE (varies) |
| Scottish Power | Central & southern Scotland (parts) | Often G, ML, PA (varies) |
| Southern | Hampshire, Sussex, Isle of Wight (parts) | Often SO, PO, BN (varies) |
| South Eastern | Kent, Surrey, East Sussex (parts) | Often CT, ME, TN, RH (varies) |
| South Wales | Cardiff, Swansea, Valleys (parts) | Often CF, SA, NP (varies) |
| South Western | Devon, Cornwall, Somerset (parts) | Often EX, PL, TR, TQ (varies) |
| West Midlands | Birmingham, Black Country, Shropshire (parts) | Often B, WV, DY (varies) |
| Yorkshire | Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Yorkshire (parts) | Often LS, S, HU, YO (varies) |
Postcode areas can cross boundaries, especially near borders and large cities. For accuracy, use the postcode comparison form to match your home correctly.
How to read February 2026 cap rates on your bill
Energy bills can be confusing because suppliers often show a mix of VAT, discounts, and projected costs. To compare properly, focus on the two numbers below for each fuel.
- Find the unit rate (p/kWh). This is what you pay for each unit of energy you use.
- Find the standing charge (p/day). This is charged daily, even if you use very little energy.
- Check your annual usage (kWh). Use last year’s figures if possible (electricity and gas separately).
- Compare like-for-like. Same payment method, same meter type, and include both unit rate and standing charge.
Quick calculation (rough guide)
Estimated annual cost ˜ (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365). Use the same approach for both electricity and gas, then add them together for dual fuel.
When comparing is most worthwhile
If your fixed tariff is ending, your supplier may move you to a standard variable tariff. That’s a good time to check February 2026 cap-aligned rates and see what else is available for your postcode.
Common mistakes when checking regional price cap rates
Comparing to the “average bill” headline
The well-known “typical annual bill” assumes a typical usage amount. If your household uses more or less, your cost will differ—sometimes significantly.
Ignoring meter type (e.g. Economy 7)
Two-rate meters have day and night unit rates. If you compare against a single-rate tariff without checking your split, you can get the wrong outcome.
Using the wrong region for your postcode
Postcode boundaries don’t always match energy regions. Always use an address/postcode lookup (or your bill) rather than assuming based on county.
If you want to avoid guesswork, compare by postcode and we’ll align results to your area automatically.
FAQs: February 2026 Ofgem price cap by postcode
Is the Ofgem price cap the same everywhere in the UK?
No. In Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), the cap is published with regional electricity and gas rates. Northern Ireland has a different market structure and regulation.
Does the price cap mean I can’t pay more than the cap?
The cap limits the unit rates and standing charges for standard variable and default tariffs. Your total bill still depends on how much energy you use.
Can a fixed tariff be above the price cap?
Yes. The cap doesn’t apply to fixed deals in the same way. A fixed tariff can be higher or lower than cap-level pricing—its value is in price certainty and whether it suits your usage.
What do I need to compare accurately?
- Your postcode
- Your meter type (single rate / Economy 7 / smart)
- Your annual kWh for electricity and gas (ideal)
- Your payment method (e.g. direct debit)
Will switching interrupt my supply?
No—your energy supply stays on. Switching changes the company that bills you, not the physical supply to your home. If you’re in debt to your supplier or have a complex meter setup, options may vary.
Looking for a quick start? Go back to Compare by postcode and we’ll show what’s available where you live.
Trusted comparison support—built for UK households
Whole-of-market approach
We focus on what you can actually switch to in your postcode area and meter setup, not just headline numbers.
Clear explanations
Unit rates, standing charges, and cap periods explained in plain English so you can make an informed choice.
Real customer experiences
“The postcode check made it obvious why our standing charge was different. We found a fixed deal that suited our usage.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
Check your regional February 2026 cap rates—then see your best options
Use your postcode to match the right region and view home energy tariffs available where you live. It takes a few minutes and you’re under no obligation to switch.
Home energy only. If you’re moving home, have a prepayment meter, or need help finding your current tariff details, submit your postcode and we’ll tailor your comparison.
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