Regional price cap unit rates by postcode UK today
Check the latest Ofgem price cap unit rates for your region using your postcode, then compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus.co.uk to see if you could pay less.
- Find your electricity & gas regional unit rates and standing charges
- See why your postcode area can change what you pay under the cap
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your home in minutes
Home energy only. Prices and availability vary by region, meter type and payment method. We’ll use your details to return tailored results and contact you about your comparison.
Check your regional price cap rate and compare home tariffs
The Ofgem energy price cap sets a maximum price per unit (kWh) and daily standing charge for default tariffs (like Standard Variable Tariffs) in Great Britain. Those cap rates differ by region, which is why two households using the same energy can still see different bills.
Enter your postcode to match you to your electricity distribution area and show results that make sense for your home. If you’re on or near the cap, comparing whole-of-market tariffs can help you spot lower unit rates, better standing charges, or a more suitable fix.
Good to know
- The cap is not a cap on your total bill — your usage still matters.
- Unit rates & standing charges can vary by payment method and meter type (e.g. single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter configurations).
- Northern Ireland has a different market and regulator than Ofgem’s GB cap.
Why regional price cap unit rates matter
Your cap rate depends on your region
Ofgem sets separate cap levels for different electricity distribution regions. Your postcode helps determine which regional rates apply.
Standing charges can be the difference
Even small changes to the daily standing charge can add up over a year — especially for lower-usage homes and flats.
Comparing can reveal better fits
A tariff with a lower unit rate might suit higher usage; a lower standing charge might suit smaller households. Your region is step one.
What are “regional price cap unit rates”?
When people search for regional price cap unit rates by postcode UK today, they usually want a quick way to understand the cap levels where they live. Under the Ofgem price cap in Great Britain, suppliers’ default tariffs are limited by a maximum pence-per-kWh unit rate and a maximum daily standing charge. Because network costs differ around the country, Ofgem publishes cap levels for different regions.
Unit rate (p/kWh)
What you pay for each unit of energy you use. This has the biggest impact on bills for medium and high usage households.
Standing charge (p/day)
A daily fee to keep you connected and cover fixed costs. This matters most if you use less energy or are frequently away.
The cap level is reviewed and updated periodically. If you’re on a fixed tariff, your prices can differ from the cap and stay stable until your fix ends. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, your unit rates and standing charges can move when the cap changes.
Unit rates and standing charges: what to compare
When comparing tariffs, focus on the numbers that drive your bill: the electricity unit rate, gas unit rate, and the standing charges. These are the key components used to estimate annual cost alongside your usage.
| What you’ll see | Typical label | Why it matters | Postcode/region impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate | p/kWh | Main driver of electricity cost as usage increases | Varies by distribution region and tariff type |
| Electricity standing charge | p/day | Adds up daily regardless of usage | Often notably different between regions |
| Gas unit rate | p/kWh | Main driver of heating cost for gas homes | Can vary by region and supplier pricing |
| Gas standing charge | p/day | Fixed daily fee for gas connection | Regional/network components can influence levels |
“Today” vs published cap periods
The price cap is set for a period (not updated daily). “Today” means the latest cap rates currently in force for your region and payment method. Your exact prices depend on your tariff, meter type and supplier.
How to find your region by postcode (and compare correctly)
Your postcode helps identify your electricity distribution area (and your typical regional cap levels). To get a useful comparison, you’ll also want to consider how you pay and your meter setup.
- Enter your postcode to match your property to the right region.
- Check your current tariff type: standard variable, fixed, or prepayment.
- Confirm your meter: single-rate, Economy 7, smart, or prepay meter.
- Estimate your usage (from bills or smart meter data) to see realistic costs.
- Compare whole-of-market options and choose what fits your household.
If you don’t know your usage
You can still start with a postcode-led comparison and refine it later. Many households can approximate from monthly direct debits and recent bills.
If you’re on Economy 7
Economy 7 has separate day and night rates. Your best tariff depends on how much electricity you use overnight.
Regional pricing in Great Britain: what your postcode is really doing
Ofgem’s cap rates differ across electricity distribution regions (often aligned to the local network operator areas). Your postcode is used as a practical way to map you to that region. This matters because network charges are a component of what you pay.
England
Multiple distribution regions across North, Midlands, London and the South. Postcodes can switch regions at boundaries.
Scotland
Typically split into regional areas with different network costs. Comparing by postcode helps reflect the right cap levels.
Wales
Usually aligned to neighbouring distribution regions; exact rates depend on the network area your postcode falls into.
Northern Ireland
Energy in Northern Ireland operates under a different framework than Great Britain’s Ofgem cap. If your postcode begins with BT, your comparison options and regulation differ.
Common mistakes when checking price cap rates
Assuming the cap is your bill
The cap is a limit on unit rates and standing charges for default tariffs. Your total bill depends on your usage and tariff structure.
Comparing without standing charges
A slightly cheaper unit rate can be offset by a higher daily charge. Always consider both, especially if you use less energy.
Not accounting for meter type
Economy 7 and other multi-rate meters can have different day/night prices. Your comparison needs to reflect your setup.
Using a nearby postcode boundary
Two neighbouring areas can fall into different electricity regions. Use your own postcode for the best match.
FAQs: regional price cap unit rates by postcode
Are price cap unit rates the same everywhere in the UK?
No. In Great Britain, Ofgem publishes price cap levels that vary by region, and can also differ by payment method and meter type. Northern Ireland operates under a different market structure.
Does the price cap mean I can’t pay more than the cap amount?
The cap limits the unit rate and standing charge on default tariffs. If you use more energy, your bill will be higher. If you use less, it can be lower.
Why does my friend in another town have different unit rates?
They may be in a different electricity distribution region, on a different payment method (e.g. direct debit vs prepay), or on a fixed tariff rather than a standard variable tariff.
How often do cap rates change?
Cap levels are updated periodically. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, your rates can change when the cap changes. If you’re on a fixed tariff, your rates typically stay the same until the end of your fix.
What details do I need to compare accurately?
Your postcode, whether you pay by direct debit or prepayment, your meter type (single-rate or Economy 7), and ideally an idea of your annual electricity (kWh) and gas (kWh) usage.
Can I switch if I’m in debt or on prepay?
It depends on your circumstances and supplier rules. Some options may still be available, and it’s worth comparing. If you’re struggling to pay, consider contacting your supplier about support options.
Want personalised results now? Go back to the postcode form.
Trusted comparison, postcode-matched
“Clear and easy to follow”
“I finally understood the difference between unit rates and standing charges, and the postcode check made the comparison feel accurate.”
Homeowner, England
“Helpful when my fix ended”
“The comparison helped me see what was available for my area. Switching felt less confusing than I expected.”
Flat resident, Scotland
Whole-of-market approach
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