What is happening to energy prices in April 2026?

From April 2026, UK energy prices are expected to rise as the energy price cap and wholesale costs are reviewed. For many households and businesses this will mean higher monthly gas and electricity bills unless they switch to a more competitive tariff or improve their energy efficiency. Energy Plus can review your current deal and help you move to a tariff that better protects you from rising prices.

Why are energy prices rising in 2026?

Energy prices in 2026 are being driven up by a combination of factors, including fluctuations in wholesale gas and electricity markets, network and policy costs, and changes to the Ofgem price cap. As historic fixed deals come to an end, many customers will roll onto higher standard variable tariffs. By checking the market and switching with Energy Plus before your deal ends, you can reduce the impact of these price rises.

How will the April 2026 price rise affect my energy bill?

The April 2026 energy price rise will typically show as an increase in your unit rates (pence per kWh) and/or your daily standing charge. The exact impact depends on your usage, region and supplier, but many households will see a noticeable jump in their direct debit or quarterly bill. To understand your personal impact, compare your current tariff with live offers through Energy Plus and get a tailored quote based on your actual consumption.

Can I avoid the 2026 energy price rise?

You cannot stop market-wide energy price changes, but you can reduce how much you pay by switching to a more competitive tariff and lowering your usage. Fixing your energy rate ahead of April 2026 can give you more certainty over what you will pay, while simple energy-efficiency upgrades can cut your overall consumption. Energy Plus helps you compare fixed and variable tariffs and guides you towards the most suitable option for your budget and risk appetite.

When should I switch energy supplier before April 2026?

It is usually best to review your energy tariff 4–8 weeks before your current deal ends and before any major price cap changes take effect, such as the April 2026 review. This gives you enough time to compare the market, choose a tariff and complete the switch with no interruption to your supply. By starting the process early with Energy Plus, you can lock in a new rate and avoid being moved automatically onto a more expensive standard variable tariff.

How can Energy Plus help me lower my bills during the 2026 price rise?

Energy Plus compares a wide range of tariffs from trusted suppliers and highlights deals that could reduce your monthly costs during the 2026 price rise. We help you understand the difference between fixed and variable tariffs, estimate your annual savings and manage the switching process from start to finish. You stay with the same energy network and meter, but pay a more competitive rate arranged through Energy Plus.

Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff before prices rise in 2026?

A fixed tariff gives you price certainty for a set period, which can be reassuring ahead of the April 2026 energy price rise, while a variable tariff can move up or down with the market. If you value predictable bills and want protection from potential future increases, a competitive fixed deal may be suitable. If you are comfortable with some risk and want to benefit if prices fall, a variable tariff could work better. Energy Plus can compare both options for you and show the estimated costs so you can choose confidently.

What information do I need to get an energy quote for 2026?

To get an accurate energy quote for 2026 with Energy Plus, you will usually need your postcode, the name of your current supplier, your current tariff type (fixed or variable), and your typical annual usage in kWh, which you can find on a recent bill or on your online account. With this information, Energy Plus can provide a personalised comparison showing how the April 2026 price rise could affect you and what you could save by switching.

Energy Price Rise in April 2026: What UK Households Need to Know Now

From April 2026, millions of homes across the UK are expected to see another change in their gas and electricity costs as the energy price cap is reviewed again. Use this guide to understand what the April 2026 energy price rise could mean for your household and the practical steps you can take today to protect your budget.

Why Energy Prices Are Changing in April 2026

The UK energy market continues to experience significant pressure from wholesale gas prices, network costs and ongoing investment in low-carbon infrastructure. These costs are regularly reviewed by the regulator, and the outcome is reflected in the energy price cap that directly affects most standard variable tariffs for households.

In April 2026, another scheduled review is due. While the exact unit rates and standing charges will depend on wholesale markets and regulatory decisions closer to the time, it is widely expected that many homes will experience higher bills compared with the previous quarter, even if they use the same amount of energy.

That means now is the right time to check your home energy usage, understand your tariff options and take simple steps to protect your household from avoidable price increases.

Quick facts about April 2026 price changes

Who is affected? Most UK households on a standard variable or default tariff.
When? New rates are expected to apply from April 2026 bill cycles.
What changes? Unit rates (per kWh) and standing charges may both move up or down.
What can you do? Review your tariff, cut waste, improve insulation and explore smarter ways to use energy.

How the April 2026 Energy Price Rise Could Affect Your Home Bills

Energy prices are usually made up of two core parts:

Unit rate – the price you pay for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity or gas you use.
Standing charge – a daily fee that covers the fixed cost of providing your connection, metering and network services.

If the price cap rises in April 2026, suppliers typically adjust one or both of these parts. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference over a year, especially for families, electric-heated homes or anyone working from home.

Your actual bill will still depend on how much energy you use. That is why reducing wasted energy and improving efficiency remains one of the best long-term protections for your household budget.

Example: What a Price Rise Could Mean

The examples below are illustrative and not forecasts, but they show how price movements can affect real homes:

Small flat using 1,800 kWh electricity and 6,000 kWh gas per year might see its annual bill move by tens of pounds for relatively small unit-rate changes.
Family home using 3,300 kWh electricity and 12,000 kWh gas could see changes of £100+ per year depending on the direction and size of the cap adjustment.
All-electric home or properties with electric vehicle charging may feel price changes more strongly, especially if they use energy at peak times.

Action now: understanding your typical annual usage from your bill makes it easier to compare tariffs and calculate the impact of price changes.

Steps You Can Take Before April 2026 to Control Your Energy Costs

You cannot control wholesale market prices, but you can control how your home uses energy and which tariff you pay for it. The following steps can be taken months before April 2026 to help manage or even reduce your bills.

1. Review your current tariff

If you are on your supplier’s standard variable tariff, your prices are typically linked directly to the price cap. That means you will feel the effect of April 2026 changes almost immediately.

Check whether your fixed-rate deal is ending before or shortly after April 2026.
Compare available tariffs, including fixed and variable options.
Consider whether you value price certainty or flexibility more.

2. Install or use your smart meter

A smart meter can show you exactly how much energy you are using in near real time. This makes it much easier to spot wasted energy and understand the impact of simple actions like turning off unused appliances.

Track your daily usage on the in-home display.
Use data to identify high-usage appliances.
Make more accurate comparisons if you decide to switch tariff.

3. Cut everyday energy waste

Small changes in behaviour can add up to meaningful savings, especially over a whole year of higher prices.

Lower your thermostat by 1°C where it is safe and comfortable.
Ensure heating is on only in rooms you use regularly.
Turn off lights and appliances instead of leaving them on standby.
Use energy-efficient LED bulbs throughout your home.

4. Improve your home’s insulation and heating controls

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from rising energy prices is to reduce the amount of heat your home loses. Once improvements are made, the benefits last for years, regardless of market changes.

Check your loft insulation and top it up to recommended levels if needed.
Consider cavity wall or solid wall insulation where appropriate.
Fit draught excluders on doors and windows to stop heat escaping.
Use smart thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves to heat rooms individually.

These changes may involve an initial cost, but they can significantly reduce your energy usage, helping to offset the impact of any April 2026 price rise.

5. Explore low-carbon and renewable options for your home

While not every home is suitable for every technology, more and more UK households are exploring:

Heat pumps as a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers.
Solar panels to generate their own electricity and reduce grid use.
Battery storage and smart tariffs to shift usage away from peak times.

These options can reduce your exposure to traditional energy price swings and support the UK’s wider goal of a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

Understanding Fixed vs Variable Tariffs Before April 2026

As April 2026 approaches, one of the most important decisions for many households will be choosing between fixed-rate and variable-rate tariffs.

Fixed-rate tariffs

A fixed tariff locks in your unit rates and standing charges for an agreed period (for example, 12 or 24 months). The price you pay per kWh will not move up or down with the cap during that period.

Pros: budget certainty, protection from sudden increases, easier to plan monthly outgoings.
Cons: you may miss out on savings if the price cap falls; early exit fees may apply if you leave before the end of your contract.

Variable-rate tariffs

Variable tariffs usually follow the price cap or market movements. Your rates can go up or down over time, typically with notice from your supplier.

Pros: benefit from any price reductions; often no exit fee if you decide to switch.
Cons: less predictable bills, especially when markets are volatile; you may feel the full impact of any April 2026 increase.

Which option is right for your home?

There is no single right answer, but these questions can help you decide:

Is your household budget tight, and would bill certainty help you plan?
Are you comfortable reviewing your tariff regularly and switching if needed?
Do you expect your energy use to go up or down (for example, due to a new baby, working from home, or a planned home move)?

Before making a decision, compare the standing charges, unit rates and any fees on each tariff, and consider the full term of the deal in relation to the April 2026 price review.

Help With Rising Energy Bills: Support for Households

Many homes are still feeling the impact of previous price rises. If you are worried about how you will afford your bills in 2026, it is important to seek support early.

Talk to your supplier

Suppliers are required to work with customers who are struggling with their bills. They may be able to:

Set up a payment plan that spreads costs over a longer period.
Review your direct debit to better match your actual usage.
Provide advice about reducing your energy use safely.

Check if you qualify for extra help

Depending on your circumstances and government policy at the time, you may be eligible for schemes such as:

Discounts or rebates on your bill for low-income or vulnerable households.
Grants or loans towards insulation and other home energy improvements.
Independent energy advice services to help you find the best tariff and cut usage.

Support schemes change over time, so it is worth checking regularly as April 2026 approaches.

Preparing Your Home for the Future of UK Energy

While the April 2026 energy price rise is an important milestone, it is just one step in a longer-term transition of the UK energy system towards cleaner, more efficient and more flexible power.

Homes that are well insulated, use efficient heating systems and are able to flex their energy use around peak times are generally better placed to weather future price changes. Over time, more households are expected to benefit from technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage and smart tariffs as costs continue to fall and support grows.

By making changes now, you not only protect your household from immediate price movements, but also help build a more resilient, lower-carbon energy future for everyone.

Take control of your energy bills before April 2026

Do not wait for the next price change to appear on your statement. Start tracking your usage, improving your home’s efficiency and exploring better tariff options today, so your household is ready for whatever April 2026 brings.

Speak to our home energy team

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Updated on 7 Dec 2025