Ofgem Price Cap Rates by Region: May 2026
Your May 2026 energy rates depend on which of the 14 GB distribution regions you live in. Here's what the Q2 2026 cap (in effect through 30 June) looks like for each region — electricity unit rates, gas unit rates and standing charges — plus how to use your postcode to compare deals against your regional cap.
- Why Ofgem publishes 14 different cap rates, not one
- Approximate regional unit rates and standing charges for May 2026
- How to find tariffs that beat your regional cap
UK residential energy. No obligation to switch. By submitting our form you agree we may contact you about your comparison.
Why your region affects your May 2026 cap
The headline £1,641 typical-household figure is a Great Britain average. Underneath it, Ofgem publishes 14 separate cap rates reflecting the 14 distribution network operator regions. The reason: distribution costs (the cost of getting energy from the high-voltage grid to your home) vary by geography — sparsely populated regions cost more per customer to serve.
Your supplier's cap-tracking SVT charges the rate for your distribution region, not the national average. This is decided by your postcode, not your supplier's headquarters.
Approximate May 2026 regional rates (Q2 cap)
Direct-debit, inclusive of VAT, all values rounded:
| Region | Elec p/kWh | Elec SC p/day | Gas p/kWh | Gas SC p/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Scotland | 26.4 | 68.5 | 5.86 | 29.4 |
| South Scotland | 25.1 | 59.8 | 5.78 | 29.1 |
| Northern | 24.7 | 56.7 | 5.72 | 29.0 |
| Yorkshire | 24.6 | 56.2 | 5.71 | 28.9 |
| North West | 24.9 | 57.4 | 5.74 | 29.0 |
| Merseyside & N Wales | 25.6 | 62.1 | 5.79 | 29.2 |
| East Midlands | 24.3 | 54.9 | 5.69 | 28.8 |
| West Midlands | 24.5 | 55.4 | 5.71 | 28.9 |
| Eastern | 24.2 | 54.6 | 5.68 | 28.8 |
| Southern | 24.5 | 55.5 | 5.70 | 28.9 |
| Southern Western | 25.0 | 57.6 | 5.74 | 29.0 |
| South Wales | 25.3 | 59.0 | 5.76 | 29.1 |
| London | 23.9 | 53.2 | 5.65 | 28.6 |
| South East | 24.4 | 55.0 | 5.69 | 28.8 |
Approximate values for illustration. Actual rates may differ slightly. Standing charges shown apply to direct-debit payment; prepayment and standard credit standing charges differ.
How to compare deals against your regional cap
The cap is a ceiling. Many fixed and tracker tariffs are priced 3–7% below the cap. To find them:
- Confirm your distribution region. Your supplier shows it on your bill, or you can check your postcode against an Ofgem regional list.
- Compare for your region specifically. Whole-of-market comparison sites use your postcode to match — make sure the comparison is regional, not GB-average.
- Check both unit rate and standing charge. Some tariffs offer below-cap unit rates with above-cap standing charges, or vice versa. Total annual cost is what matters.
Why London and Eastern are usually cheapest, and Northern Scotland highest
Three drivers behind regional differences:
- Population density. Concentrated regions like London spread fixed network costs across more customers per kilometre of cable.
- Generation distance. Energy moving long distances (e.g. Northern Scotland to demand centres) loses more in transmission.
- Network age and topology. Older networks that need more reinforcement pass through higher charges.
These differences are structural, not supplier choices — switching supplier doesn't change them. But it can move your unit rates and standing charges within the cap, which is where the savings live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my May 2026 cap different from the headline £1,641?
Because £1,641 is a typical-household GB average. The cap actually has 14 regional variants. Northern Scotland and Merseyside sit at the higher end; London and Eastern at the lower.
How do I find my Ofgem region?
It's printed on your energy bill, or you can match your postcode against the distribution network operator (DNO) list on Ofgem's website. Your DNO determines your regional cap rates.
Will the May 2026 cap change before July?
No. The Q2 2026 cap is fixed from 1 April through 30 June 2026. Ofgem announces the Q3 cap on 27 May 2026.
Can I get below-cap rates in any region?
Yes — fixed-rate tariffs are commonly priced 3–7% below the cap across all 14 regions. Specific deals available depend on supplier coverage in your area.
Why is my standing charge higher than the headline?
The headline standing charges are GB averages. Your region may sit above or below — Northern Scotland's electricity standing charge is typically ~12p/day above the GB average, for example.
Get a personalised quote in minutes
Compare gas and electricity tariffs across the whole UK market for your postcode and meter type.
Start your comparisonNo obligation. Whole-of-market.
Information is for general guidance based on Ofgem published cap data and supplier pricing as of early May 2026. Specific rates depend on your postcode, meter type and tariff terms. Always check the latest tariff details before switching. EnergyPlus is an independent comparison service.
Back to Energy News