What are regional price cap rates by postcode in the UK?

Regional price cap rates are the Ofgem price cap unit rates and standing charges that vary slightly depending on your supply region. Your postcode is used to identify your region so you can see the relevant electricity and gas price cap rates for your area.

Why do price cap unit rates and standing charges differ by region?

Ofgem sets regional variations because network and distribution costs differ across the UK. Those local costs affect the price cap standing charge and, to a smaller extent, the unit rate in each region.

Does the price cap mean my bill is capped?

No. The price cap limits the maximum unit rate (per kWh) and standing charge a supplier can charge on standard variable and default tariffs. Your total bill still depends on how much gas and electricity you use.

How do I find my price cap rates using my postcode?

Enter your postcode on this page to identify your supply region, then check the current price cap electricity and gas unit rates and standing charges shown for that region. Use those figures to estimate costs and compare with available tariffs.

Are these rates for electricity, gas, or both?

Price cap rates are published separately for electricity and gas. The results for your postcode should show the relevant electricity unit rate and standing charge, and the gas unit rate and standing charge for your region.

How often do UK price cap rates change?

Ofgem updates the energy price cap periodically throughout the year. When it changes, the unit rates and standing charges for each region can also change. Check back regularly to ensure you are using the latest figures.

What is the difference between a unit rate and a standing charge?

The unit rate is what you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy you use. The standing charge is a daily fixed cost that covers things like maintaining the energy network and metering costs, and it is charged whether you use energy or not.

How can I use regional price cap rates to compare energy deals?

Compare any tariff’s unit rates and standing charges against the current price cap figures for your postcode region. If a tariff offers lower rates than the cap (especially the unit rate), it could reduce your costs—particularly if your usage is high.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m on a price-capped tariff?

Yes. If you’re on a standard variable or default tariff covered by the price cap, you can still switch. Use your postcode-based regional rates as a benchmark, then compare alternatives that may offer better value or more price certainty.

What should I do if my rates seem higher than the price cap for my region?

First confirm you’re comparing the correct region, payment method, and meter type. If you believe your supplier is charging above the cap for a tariff that should be protected, contact your supplier to resolve it and keep a record of your bill details.

Regional price cap rates by postcode in the UK (today)

Check how the Ofgem price cap varies by region and what it could mean for your home energy bills. Enter your postcode to compare whole-of-market tariffs and see personalised options for your address.

Find your electricity & gas price cap region from your postcode
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Check my postcode & compare See regions & how it works

Price cap rates change by Ofgem period and region. We’ll use your postcode to identify your distribution area and show available home energy tariffs.

Check your regional price cap area by postcode—then compare tariffs

Ofgem’s price cap sets a maximum unit rate and standing charge for households on standard variable tariffs (SVT) in Great Britain. Because electricity distribution costs differ across the country, price cap rates vary by region. Your postcode helps identify your local distribution area, which influences capped rates.

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market home energy comparison service. Use the form to request a comparison based on your postcode and contact details—so you can see available deals relevant to your region and usage profile.

Good to know

If you’re already on a fixed tariff, the cap doesn’t set your price—but it can still be a helpful benchmark when deciding whether to fix, switch, or wait.

Compare home energy by postcode

Tell us where you live and how to reach you. We’ll match your postcode to your region and share available options.

Why regional price cap rates matter for your home

Unit rates can differ by area

The cap includes regional network costs. Two households with similar usage can see different capped unit rates and standing charges depending on where they live.

Standing charges vary too

Standing charges cover fixed costs like maintaining networks and metering. These are also regionally set within the cap.

Better comparisons start with postcode

Postcode matching helps ensure you’re comparing like-for-like rates for your distribution area—especially when you’re considering fixed deals.

What are “regional price cap rates” (and what’s capped)?

The Ofgem energy price cap applies to households on default tariffs (typically standard variable tariffs). It sets limits on:

Electricity unit rate (pence per kWh)
Gas unit rate (pence per kWh)
Standing charges (pence per day)

Why does the cap vary by postcode/region?

Your postcode helps determine your electricity distribution region (and associated network costs). Network charges are a component of bills, and they differ across Great Britain—so the capped rates differ too.

That’s why you’ll often see references to “regional price cap rates” or “price cap by region”. It’s not that Ofgem sets a single national unit rate; it sets a cap framework with regional variations.

Important limitations

The cap is not a limit on your total bill—it’s based on typical usage for a dual-fuel home paying by Direct Debit.
If you use more energy than “typical”, your total cost will be higher even if your rates are capped.
Payment method and meter type can affect the cap level (e.g. prepayment vs credit; single-rate vs Economy 7).

How this page helps

1) Enter your postcode

We use it to identify your region and focus comparisons on the tariffs relevant to your area.

2) Compare whole-of-market options

See a range of home energy tariffs, including fixed-rate options where available.

3) Choose what suits your household

Decide based on rates, contract length, exit fees and supplier features.

UK regions used for price cap rates (postcode-based)

Suppliers typically reference electricity distribution regions (and related network areas) when publishing capped SVT rates. Your postcode is the simplest way to identify the correct region for your address.

Tip: Postcode “areas” (like LS or BS) don’t always match price cap regions exactly. That’s why postcode checking is more reliable than trying to guess your region from the first letters.

Region (common supplier label)	Example cities/areas	Why it can differ
London	Greater London, parts of surrounding areas	Local network cost structure and demand patterns
South Eastern	Kent, Sussex, parts of Surrey	Distribution charges vary across DNO areas
Southern	Hampshire, Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset/West Sussex	Different network regions have different allowed revenues
South Western	Devon, Cornwall, parts of Somerset	Rurality and network maintenance costs can influence charges
East of England	Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire	Regional distribution boundaries don’t follow county borders neatly
Midlands	Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent	Different network operators/areas have different cost bases
North Western	Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire, Cumbria	Regional charges and losses vary
North Eastern	Newcastle, Sunderland, Northumberland, Teesside	Network constraints and investment profiles differ
Yorkshire	Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Hull	Regional network charges affect capped rates
Northern	Parts of northern England (varies by supplier naming)	Supplier labels sometimes group areas differently
Wales	Cardiff, Swansea, North & Mid Wales	Distinct distribution areas and network costs
Scotland	Central Belt, Highlands (varies by area)	Two main electricity distribution regions plus local factors

This table is a guide to common region labels you may see on supplier price lists. For accuracy, use postcode comparison to identify your specific area.

How to interpret “price cap by postcode” results

1) The cap is made up of rates, not a fixed bill

When people search “regional price cap rates by postcode UK today”, they often want a single number. In practice, the cap is expressed as maximum unit rates and standing charges. Your total cost depends on your usage.

2) Your meter and payment method matter

A single-rate credit meter paid by Direct Debit can have different capped charges to prepayment meters or multi-rate tariffs (e.g. Economy 7). Always compare on your actual meter type.

3) Use the cap as a benchmark

If you’re on an SVT, you may be paying close to the capped rates. A competitive fixed deal can still be worthwhile if it offers certainty or improved unit rates for your region.

What to have ready

Current supplier and tariff name (if known)
Payment method (Direct Debit, cash/cheque, prepay)
Approx annual usage (kWh) or last bill figures

Ways to reduce your energy costs (beyond the cap)

Even when capped rates are high, there are practical steps that can help reduce what you pay—especially once you know your region and can compare properly.

Compare fixed vs variable

A fixed tariff can offer predictable monthly costs. Compare contract length, rates, and any exit fees—especially if cap periods are expected to change.

Check your payment method

Direct Debit tariffs are often priced differently to cash/cheque or prepayment. If appropriate for your household, changing payment method can widen your options.

Review usage and meter type

If you have Economy 7, make sure your day/night split fits your lifestyle. Smart meters can also help you track patterns and reduce wasted consumption.

Regional reality: You can’t change your price cap region—but you can choose the tariff that best suits your household within that region. Start with your postcode to avoid inaccurate comparisons.

FAQs: regional price cap rates by postcode

Are price cap rates the same across the UK?

No. The Ofgem cap varies by region (and can vary by meter type and payment method). Regional differences mainly come from network and distribution costs.

Does the price cap apply in Northern Ireland?

The Ofgem price cap applies to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has a different energy market and regulatory arrangements.

If I’m on a fixed tariff, does the cap protect me?

Not directly. Fixed tariffs have agreed rates for the contract term. The cap is most relevant to default tariffs, but it can still be a helpful benchmark when reviewing your fixed deal.

Why can two neighbours have different energy rates?

Even on the same street, differences can come from payment method, meter type (single vs multi-rate), tariff choice, or when a fixed tariff started. Region is one factor, but not the only one.

Can I switch if I’m in debt to my supplier?

It depends on the type and amount of debt and your meter type. If you have a prepayment meter, there are specific rules. Submit your details and we’ll outline your options.

What does “whole-of-market comparison” mean?

It means we aim to compare across the wider market rather than limiting you to a single supplier’s products—helpful when availability and pricing vary by region.

Why homeowners use EnergyPlus

Postcode-accurate comparisons

We start with your postcode to reduce mismatches caused by regional variations in capped rates and network costs.

Clear, practical guidance

We focus on what changes your bill: unit rates, standing charges, contract terms and eligibility—without jargon.

Support for real households

Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, on a prepay meter, or planning a move, we help you understand your options.

Customer comments

“I didn’t realise the cap differed by region. Entering my postcode made the comparison much clearer.”

“Quick form, straightforward explanation of standing charges, and helpful options to consider.”

Testimonials shown are illustrative of common feedback themes and do not represent a guarantee of savings.

Trust indicators

UK home energy focus (not business energy)
Whole-of-market comparison approach
Designed to help you compare based on region, meter and payment method
Accessible layout and clear next steps

Ready to check your regional price cap area and compare?

Enter your postcode and details to receive a home energy comparison tailored to your region. It’s the quickest way to see what’s available for your address today.

Start postcode comparison Read FAQs

We’ll use your postcode to match your region and improve accuracy. Savings are not guaranteed and depend on your current tariff, usage and eligibility.

What you’ll get

Regional context for your capped rates
Whole-of-market tariff options (where available)
Clear breakdown of key terms (rates, standing charge, contract length)

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026