UK Home Energy Bill Support and Ofgem Updates for 2026

How the Ofgem price cap works

The Ofgem energy price cap sets a maximum price per unit that suppliers can charge standard variable tariff customers in England, Scotland and Wales. It also caps the daily standing charge for your gas and electricity. The cap isn't a cap on your total bill, but on the rate you pay for each kWh you use.

In 2026, the price cap continues to be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in wholesale energy costs, network charges and policy costs. This helps protect households from being overcharged while still allowing suppliers to recover reasonable costs.

Key Ofgem updates for households in 2026

• More transparent tariffs: suppliers must clearly show unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees so you can easily compare deals.
• Support for vulnerable customers: stricter rules against disconnection, plus required support for those struggling with bills.
• Fairer direct debits: suppliers have to base your payments on up-to-date usage data and correct them quickly if they're wrong.
• Improved complaints handling: tighter timelines and standards so issues are resolved more quickly and fairly.

Many households miss out on hundreds of pounds of help each year simply because they don't know what they qualify for. Eligibility usually depends on:

• Your household income and whether you receive certain benefits
• The type of property you live in (house, flat, bungalow, park home)
• How your home is currently heated and insulated
• Where in the UK you live and your local council area

By answering a few simple questions, you can quickly find out which schemes may apply to you, and how to access them through approved installers or your current supplier.

Use the short form below to request a tailored 2026 home energy support check for your property.

1. Tackle heat loss first

Heating is usually the biggest part of a UK home energy bill. Stopping heat escaping means your boiler or heat pump doesn't have to work as hard.

• Top up loft insulation to the recommended depth
• Consider cavity wall or solid wall insulation where suitable
• Use draught excluders around doors, windows and letterboxes

2. Optimise your heating controls

Using your heating system efficiently can trim your energy costs without sacrificing comfort.

• Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature
• Use programmer settings so you only heat your home when needed
• Bleed radiators and balance the system so rooms heat evenly

3. Upgrade to efficient appliances & lighting

Electricity costs are a growing part of UK home bills. Choosing efficient appliances can pay off quickly.

• Switch to LED lighting throughout your home
• Look for high efficiency ratings when replacing appliances
• Use eco modes and avoid leaving devices on standby

Smart meters and in-home displays give you near real-time information about how much energy you're using, and how much it's costing. In 2026, energy suppliers across Great Britain continue to roll out smart meters at no additional upfront cost to households.

Benefits for your home include:

• More accurate bills (no estimated readings)
• Insight into which appliances use the most energy
• Access to time-of-use or smart tariffs where available

If you haven't yet upgraded, contact your supplier to ask when they can install a smart meter at your property.

While wholesale prices and the Ofgem price cap shape the market, there are still opportunities in 2026 to reduce your costs by moving to a better-suited tariff. That may mean a fixed-rate deal for budgeting certainty, or a flexible tariff if you're comfortable with some risk.

When considering a switch, compare:

• Unit rates and standing charges for gas and electricity
• Any exit fees on fixed tariffs
• Payment method discounts (e.g. direct debit)
• Customer service ratings and complaint levels
• Green credentials, such as renewable electricity tariffs

Ofgem's rules mean your new supplier will handle the process and you shouldn't experience any interruption to your energy supply. You'll receive a final bill from your old supplier and your new tariff details in writing.

Insulation & fabric first

Improving the building fabric keeps warmth in and cold out. This should usually be your first step before investing in new heating systems.

Efficient heating & hot water

From modern condensing boilers to heat pumps and smart cylinders, efficient systems use less energy for the same level of comfort.

On-site generation where possible

Solar panels and, in some cases, battery storage can significantly cut your electricity bills by generating and storing power at home.