Ofgem price cap unit rates April 2026 by region (UK)
See how the April 2026 Ofgem price cap unit rates and standing charges differ across England, Scotland and Wales — then compare whole-of-market tariffs for your home and switch with EnergyPlus.
- Regional price cap breakdown: electricity & gas unit rates plus standing charges
- Understand what the cap means for your bills (and what it doesn’t)
- Check if a fixed deal beats the cap for your postcode
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market home energy comparison service. Prices depend on your region, payment method and supplier availability.
Check what the April 2026 cap means for your postcode
Ofgem sets a price cap for standard variable tariffs (SVT) and default tariffs. The cap is expressed through regional unit rates (pence per kWh) and standing charges (pence per day). Your region is based on your local electricity distribution area — so two homes a few miles apart can have different rates.
Use the form to compare current whole-of-market home energy deals available for your area. We’ll show options that may beat the capped rates, including fixed deals (where available), and highlight any exit fees and tariff features.
Looking for a quick answer? If you’re on an SVT, your supplier generally updates your rates when the cap changes. If you’re on a fixed tariff, your rates usually stay fixed until the end date.
What the Ofgem price cap covers (and what it doesn’t)
It caps unit rates & standing charges
The cap is implemented via p/kWh unit rates and p/day standing charges. Those vary by region and payment method.
It’s for default tariffs
If you’re on a supplier’s standard variable or default tariff, the cap applies. Fixed tariffs can be above or below the cap.
It doesn’t cap your total bill
Your total cost depends on how much energy you use. Higher usage means a higher bill even under the cap.
Tip: When comparing tariffs, focus on unit rate + standing charge and estimate annual cost using your usage (kWh). A low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge — and vice versa.
Ofgem price cap unit rates April 2026 by region
Below is a regional template showing how Ofgem expresses capped prices for electricity and gas as unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day). Use the tables to understand what to look for on your bill and in tariff comparisons.
Important: April 2026 cap figures are published by Ofgem closer to the quarter start and can differ by payment method (e.g., Direct Debit vs prepayment) and meter type. For the latest live rates and the best available deals for your area, compare by postcode.
Electricity: April 2026 cap unit rates & standing charges (by region)
| Region (electricity distribution) | Unit rate (p/kWh) | Standing charge (p/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North East | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Regional network costs can influence standing charges. |
| North West | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Compare with your current SVT and any fixed deals. |
| Yorkshire | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Your meter type can affect which cap applies. |
| East Midlands | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Standing charge matters for low-usage homes. |
| West Midlands | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Use your annual kWh to estimate bill impact. |
| East of England | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Check day/night rates if you have Economy 7. |
| South East | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Different regions can have noticeably different standing charges. |
| London | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Compare using postcode to match the correct region. |
| Southern | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | If you’ve moved recently, confirm your region on your bill. |
| South West | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Great to compare if you’re on an older SVT. |
| Wales | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Rates differ from some English regions. |
| Scotland (South) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Scottish regions are grouped differently. |
| Scotland (North) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Often sees different network cost components. |
Gas: April 2026 cap unit rates & standing charges (by region)
| Region (gas distribution) | Unit rate (p/kWh) | Standing charge (p/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Gas regions are broader than electricity regions. |
| North West | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | If you’re all-electric, skip gas comparisons. |
| West Midlands | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Standing charge impacts low-gas-use homes. |
| East Midlands | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Compare single-fuel vs dual-fuel on total cost. |
| East of England | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Gas cap applies where you have a gas supply. |
| London | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Most homes will see similar unit rates, but it can vary. |
| South East | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Pay attention to tariff end dates if fixing. |
| Southern | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | If on prepayment, ask for the correct cap variant. |
| South West | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Good region to check standing charge differences. |
| Scotland | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Published by Ofgem (Apr–Jun 2026) | Some suppliers have fewer tariffs in certain areas. |
Want the exact prices for your circumstances? The fastest route is a postcode comparison that matches your region and tariff type.
How to read price cap unit rates (so you can compare properly)
1) Unit rate (p/kWh)
This is what you pay for each unit of energy you use. Your bill line items often show separate unit rates for electricity and gas. If you have an Economy 7 or other multi-rate meter, you may have day and night rates.
2) Standing charge (p/day)
This is a fixed daily amount for each fuel. It can be a big proportion of the bill for low-usage households, flats, or second homes. Regional standing charges can differ even when unit rates are similar.
Quick bill estimate (illustrative)
Annual cost is roughly:
(Electricity unit rate × annual electricity kWh) + (Electricity standing charge × 365) + (Gas unit rate × annual gas kWh) + (Gas standing charge × 365)
This is a simplified explanation. Actual bills can include VAT and may vary with payment method and meter configuration.
Fixed tariff vs price cap: how to decide in April 2026
The price cap can be a helpful benchmark, but it isn’t automatically the best deal. The best choice depends on how long you plan to stay, your appetite for rate changes, and whether fixed deals are priced competitively in your region.
-
Check what you’re on today
Look for “Standard Variable”, “Default” or “Fixed” on your bill or online account, and note any exit fees and end dates. -
Match the correct regional rates
A national headline figure can be misleading. Regional unit rates and standing charges vary, so always compare using your postcode. -
Compare on annual cost using your usage
If you know your annual kWh, use it. If not, a comparison can estimate based on household details. -
Choose based on certainty vs flexibility
Fixed deals can provide stability but may include exit fees. SVTs track the cap but can go up or down each quarter.
When a fixed tariff can make sense
- You want predictable unit rates for budgeting
- A fixed deal’s total estimated annual cost is lower than your SVT
- You’re happy with the term and any exit fees
When staying on an SVT can be reasonable
- You need flexibility (e.g., moving soon)
- Fixed deals in your area are higher or have restrictive terms
- You prefer to avoid exit fees
Common regional pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
Assuming there’s one UK rate
Electricity pricing uses distribution regions; the same supplier can legally charge different capped rates depending on where you live.
Comparing unit rate only
A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge, especially for lower-usage households.
Forgetting meter type/payment method
Prepayment and multi-rate meters can sit under different cap levels. Use a comparison that accounts for your setup.
FAQs: April 2026 Ofgem cap rates by region
Does the Ofgem price cap apply to my fixed tariff?
Generally, no. The cap applies to standard variable/default tariffs. Fixed tariffs can be priced above or below the cap, and may include exit fees. If your fixed term ends, you may be moved to a capped SVT unless you switch.
Why are unit rates different in London vs the North East?
Ofgem’s cap accounts for regionally different costs (including network-related components). That’s why the capped unit rates and standing charges can vary by electricity distribution region and gas region.
Where can I find my region?
Your bill often shows your electricity distribution area (sometimes as a region name). The simplest way is to run a postcode comparison, which maps your address to the correct regional cap rates.
Is the cap the same for electricity and gas?
No. Electricity and gas have separate unit rates and standing charges, and separate regional structures. Many households have both fuels, so compare the combined annual cost.
Can I switch supplier if I’m on the cap?
Yes. Being on a capped SVT doesn’t prevent switching. You can compare whole-of-market home tariffs and switch if a better option is available for your region and meter type.
Will April 2026 cap rates change again?
Ofgem updates the cap periodically (typically quarterly). If you prefer more certainty, a fixed tariff may help — but always compare total cost, term length and exit fees.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare
Whole-of-market view
Compare a broad range of home energy tariffs, not just one supplier’s offers.
Region-accurate results
Postcode matching helps ensure you’re comparing against the correct regional cap structure and available deals.
Clear tariff details
We surface key information such as unit rates, standing charges, term length, and potential exit fees.
What customers say
“The postcode comparison made it clear what we’d actually pay in our area, not just a headline number.”
“Standing charges were the biggest surprise. Comparing properly helped us choose a better tariff for low usage.”
“Quick and straightforward. It helped us understand the cap and whether fixing was worth it.”
Trust note: We’re focused on home energy comparisons. Always review tariff terms, including prices, contract length and exit fees, before switching.
Ready to compare April 2026 prices in your region?
Get whole-of-market home energy tariffs matched to your postcode. Compare unit rates, standing charges and key terms — then switch if it’s right for you.
- Postcode-matched regional pricing
- Electricity-only or dual-fuel options
- Clear view of tariff terms
Takes a couple of minutes. No jargon — just region-accurate results.
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