Why are energy prices expected to rise again in 2026?

Industry forecasts and regulatory changes suggest that wholesale energy costs and network charges are likely to increase in 2026. As fixed-rate deals taken out in previous years end, many households and businesses will be moved onto more expensive standard variable tariffs, pushing monthly bills higher unless action is taken in advance.

How can I protect myself from energy price hikes in 2026?

You can protect yourself from 2026 price rises by locking in a competitive fixed-rate tariff early, improving the efficiency of your property, and monitoring the market for better deals. Comparing suppliers regularly and switching before your current contract ends prevents you from being rolled onto an expensive default tariff. Working with a specialist like EnergyPlus can help you identify the best available rate and secure it before prices move.

When should I switch energy suppliers to avoid higher 2026 prices?

Ideally, you should start reviewing your energy options 3 to 6 months before your current deal ends. This gives you time to compare tariffs, understand any exit fees, and secure a new fixed-rate contract ahead of any major 2026 price changes. Leaving it until the last minute increases the risk of rolling onto a higher standard variable tariff and paying more than necessary.

Is a fixed-rate energy tariff better than a variable tariff for 2026?

If prices are expected to rise, a fixed-rate tariff can be better than a variable tariff because it locks in your unit rates for the duration of the contract. This gives you certainty over what you will pay and protects you from market spikes in 2026. However, you should always compare the standing charges, unit rates and contract length, and consider any exit fees if you want to switch again before the term ends.

What steps can I take now to reduce my energy consumption before 2026?

You can cut your usage before 2026 by improving insulation, upgrading to more efficient heating systems, using smart controls, and replacing inefficient lighting and appliances. Simple behaviour changes such as turning devices off standby, lowering your thermostat by 1°C, and timing high-use appliances for off-peak periods can also make a noticeable difference. Combining these measures with a competitive tariff gives you the best protection against future price hikes.

Can EnergyPlus help me beat the 2026 energy price hikes?

Yes, EnergyPlus can help you beat 2026 energy price hikes by reviewing your current contract, comparing the latest tariffs on the market, and recommending a plan that reflects your usage and risk profile. Our team can support you with switching, contract management and ongoing monitoring so that you stay on competitive rates and avoid overpaying as market conditions change.

Do I have to pay to switch my energy deal early?

Some fixed-rate energy contracts include an exit fee if you switch before the end of the term, while others do not. It is important to check your current contract terms. Even if an exit fee applies, switching can still be worthwhile if the savings from a new tariff are greater than the cost of leaving early. An advisor can calculate the break-even point for you so you can decide confidently.

Are there different strategies for homes and businesses facing 2026 price rises?

Yes. Households usually focus on securing a fair fixed-rate tariff, improving insulation and controlling everyday usage. Businesses, on the other hand, may benefit from multi-site contracts, longer-term fixed agreements, or flexible purchasing strategies that spread risk over time. EnergyPlus can tailor an approach to your specific home or business needs so you are prepared for the 2026 pricing environment.

Beat Home Energy Price Hikes in 2026 in the UK

UK households face ongoing uncertainty around gas and electricity prices in 2026. The good news is that there is still time to take control. With smart planning, small behaviour changes and a few targeted upgrades, you can protect your home from future price rises and keep more money in your pocket.

Start cutting your bills before prices rise again

Energy regulator announcements, geopolitical pressures and rising wholesale gas prices all point towards continued volatility in 2026. While no one can predict the exact energy price cap, you can be ready. This guide walks you through the practical steps UK homeowners, renters and landlords can take now to reduce energy use and secure better value from every kilowatt-hour.

From insulation and smart controls to understanding your tariff and claiming available grants, you will find clear, jargon-free advice designed to help you beat future energy price hikes rather than simply endure them.

Get a personalised home energy saving plan

Quick wins to start today

✓ Check if you are on the best tariff for your usage
✓ Fit free or low-cost draught proofing around doors and windows
✓ Reduce your boiler flow temperature to around 60°C
✓ Switch off devices at the plug — avoid standby waste
✓ Book a smart meter installation to track and manage use

Why UK home energy prices are expected to stay high into 2026

UK energy bills are shaped by several factors: wholesale gas prices, network costs, government policies, and Ofgem's price cap. While prices have eased slightly from their peak, they remain well above pre-2021 levels, and forecasts indicate that volatility will continue into and beyond 2026.

Drivers of potential 2026 price hikes include:

Global gas market instability: ongoing supply constraints and geopolitical tensions can push up wholesale costs.
Network upgrades and infrastructure: investment in upgrading the UK's energy networks and integrating more renewables can increase standing charges.
Climate and seasonal demand: colder winters or heatwaves can boost demand, affecting prices for both gas and electricity.
Policy and environmental charges: shifts in how green levies and support schemes are funded may alter what you pay per unit.

You cannot control these market forces, but you can control how much energy your home uses and how much you pay per unit. That is where smart home energy planning makes the difference.

Key facts for UK households

Most UK homes still lose up to 25% of heat through poorly insulated roofs and walls.
Heating and hot water typically account for around 50%–60% of the average home energy bill.
Small changes like lowering thermostats by 1°C can trim up to 10% off heating costs.
Smart controls and meters can cut waste without affecting comfort.

Your step-by-step plan to beat 2026 energy price hikes

Focus on three things: use less energy, pay less per unit, and protect yourself from future increases. The sections below guide you through each area.

1. Make your home more energy efficient

Efficiency upgrades are the most reliable way to cut bills year after year. Once fitted, they continue saving you money for as long as you live in the property. Start with the most cost-effective measures and build up to deeper upgrades as budget allows.

Insulation: stop heat escaping

Loft insulation: topping up to the recommended depth (usually around 270mm) can significantly reduce heat loss and typically pays back quickly.
Cavity wall insulation: if your home has unfilled cavity walls, insulating them can cut heating costs and improve comfort.
Solid wall insulation: for older properties, internal or external wall insulation offers bigger savings but requires more investment.

Draught proofing: seal the gaps

Simple draught proofing around windows, doors, loft hatches and open chimneys can instantly make rooms feel warmer so you can lower the thermostat without feeling the difference.

2. Upgrade your heating and hot water controls

Smart, zoned and programmable controls ensure you only heat the rooms you need, when you need them. This is one of the fastest ways to trim everyday usage without sacrificing comfort.

Room thermostat: set this to the lowest comfortable temperature (often 18–20°C for most households).
Smart thermostats: use apps, scheduling and geolocation to avoid heating an empty home.
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs): give you room-by-room control to avoid overheating bedrooms or little-used spaces.
Boiler optimisation: adjusting boiler flow temperature, especially on condensing boilers, can quietly cut gas use.

With the right controls, you can get ahead of 2026 price hikes by eliminating the hidden waste that many households never notice.

3. Use smart meters and data to stay in control

Smart meters show you exactly how much gas and electricity you are using and what it costs in near real time. This visibility makes it easier to spot waste and measure the impact of changes you make before 2026 prices rise again.

Track your daily usage in kWh and compare weekday vs weekend or summer vs winter.
Identify high-usage appliances so you can replace or reduce use.
Set usage or cost alerts to stay within your monthly energy budget.
Use the data to choose the most suitable tariff type when you switch.

Most suppliers will fit a smart meter at no extra cost. Booking an installation now means you can start gathering data well before any potential 2026 price hikes take effect.

Smart everyday habits

These small actions are simple but add up over the year:

✓ Only boil the water you need in the kettle.
✓ Use lids on pans and match hob size to pan size.
✓ Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
✓ Air-dry clothes where possible instead of using a tumble dryer.
✓ Switch to LED bulbs in every room.
✓ Turn off lights and devices when leaving a room.

4. Make sure you are on the right energy tariff

Even if you reduce usage, overpaying per unit can wipe out your efforts. Reviewing your tariff before 2026 is a crucial step in beating potential energy price hikes.

When comparing tariffs, look at:

Unit rate (p/kWh): what you pay for each unit of electricity and gas.
Standing charge: the daily fixed fee added regardless of how much you use.
Contract length: whether prices are fixed or variable, and for how long.
Exit fees: costs for leaving a fixed tariff early if prices fall.

Fixed tariffs can provide certainty if you are concerned about 2026 rises, while flexible tariffs may be better if prices are expected to drop. Always compare based on your actual usage data — smart meter readings are ideal for this.

5. Consider off-peak and smart time-of-use tariffs

Some suppliers offer cheaper electricity at night or during certain hours. If you can shift high-consumption activities — such as charging an EV, running washing machines or heating hot water — into these cheaper periods, you can reduce your bills without cutting the services you rely on.

Time-of-use tariffs work best if you have:

Flexible routines or appliances you can program to run overnight.
Battery storage or an electric vehicle and smart charging.
A good understanding of your daily energy patterns.

Grants, schemes and support available to UK households

Before you pay out of pocket for improvements, check whether you qualify for financial support. Government-backed schemes and local initiatives can reduce the upfront cost of efficiency upgrades, especially for lower income or vulnerable households.

Depending on your circumstances and where you live in the UK, you may be able to access support for:

Loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
Upgrading old, inefficient boilers or installing low-carbon heating.
Improving heating controls and smart thermostats.
Solar panels or other renewable technologies.

Check official government websites, your local authority and your energy supplier for current schemes. New funding rounds are often launched with a focus on helping households cut bills before winter — staying informed ensures you do not miss out before 2026.

Who might qualify for extra help?

You may be eligible for additional support if you:

Receive certain means-tested benefits.
Live in a home with a low energy performance rating (EPC E, F or G).
Have a long-term health condition, disability or are over state pension age.
Live in a rural or off-gas area with high heating costs.

If you are uncertain which schemes apply to you, it is worth speaking to your supplier or a trusted energy advice service for personalised guidance.

6. Future-proof your home for the next decade

Beating 2026 energy price hikes is important, but thinking further ahead can deliver even greater protection from long-term price trends. As the UK transitions towards cleaner energy, homes that are efficient and flexible will benefit the most.

Over the medium to long term, consider:

Low-carbon heating: options such as air source or ground source heat pumps, particularly for well-insulated homes.
Solar PV panels: generating your own electricity can offset daytime use and stabilise costs.
Battery storage: storing cheap or self-generated electricity for later use.
Electric vehicle charging: combining smart charging with off-peak tariffs to keep running costs low.

These measures require investment but can dramatically cut your exposure to fossil fuel price spikes over time.

7. Make a simple action plan for the year ahead

Planning ahead turns good intentions into real savings. Break the task into manageable steps:

This week: gather your last 12 months of bills or smart meter data, and check your current tariff and contract end date.
This month: complete low-cost DIY measures such as draught proofing and LED lighting upgrades.
Within 3 months: review insulation levels and get quotes for any recommended upgrades.
Before next winter: fine-tune heating controls, install a smart thermostat if suitable, and reconsider your tariff options.

By taking steady action throughout the year, you will be in a much stronger position when energy prices change in 2026 and beyond.

Want help planning your next energy-saving steps?

Every home is different. Room sizes, heating systems, occupancy patterns and budgets all affect which improvements make the most sense. Get guidance tailored to your property so you can focus on the changes that will have the biggest impact before 2026.

Request home energy advice

Frequently asked questions about 2026 energy price hikes

Will my energy bills definitely go up in 2026?

No one can state with certainty exactly what will happen to the price cap or individual tariffs in 2026. However, most forecasts suggest prices will remain higher than historic averages, and ongoing volatility is likely. That is why it makes sense to reduce your dependence on energy now and improve your home's efficiency.

Is it worth fixing my tariff now or waiting?

Whether a fixed or variable tariff is best depends on price forecasts and your risk tolerance. Fixing can provide stability if you are worried about sharp rises, while staying variable can be better if prices are expected to fall. Use up-to-date comparison tools, consider contract lengths and exit fees, and base decisions on your real usage data.

What are the cheapest energy-saving measures?

Some of the most cost-effective steps include draught proofing, LED lighting, lowering thermostat settings, optimising boiler controls and fitting basic heating controls like TRVs. Loft and cavity wall insulation typically offer strong savings relative to cost, particularly if grant funding is available.

I rent my home — can I still cut my bills?

Yes. While you may not be able to make major structural changes, you can still adopt energy-saving habits, use smart controls (with your landlord's permission), add temporary draught proofing, and choose an appropriate tariff if the account is in your name. In some cases, you can also encourage your landlord to explore available improvement grants.

Energy prices in 2026 may be uncertain, but your response does not have to be. By improving your home's efficiency, staying on top of your tariff, using smart meters wisely and exploring available support, you can significantly reduce your exposure to future price hikes. Start now, and turn energy-saving into long-term bill control.

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Updated on 7 Dec 2025