UK Energy Price Cap: What Changes on 1 October 2026

PS Public Services Desk 2026-10-13 10:02 2 min read

Households in Great Britain on default energy tariffs should check how Ofgem’s cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026 applies to their rates and bills. The cap period is the relevant date to watch, but the applicable October rates should be confirmed on Ofgem’s current price-cap page before relying on a specific figure.

What the cap controls

Ofgem’s energy price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on default tariffs. It does not set a maximum total bill: how much a household pays depends on how much energy it uses, as well as its payment method and region.

The cap applies to default tariffs, including standard variable tariffs. If you are on a fixed tariff, check your contract for the rates and terms that apply; do not assume the default-tariff cap sets your bill.

Check your tariff and latest bill

Before comparing suppliers, look at your latest bill or online account and check:

• Whether your tariff is a default tariff or a fixed deal, and when any fixed deal ends.
• Whether your meter records electricity or gas use in a single rate or multiple rates, such as day and night.
• Your unit rate and standing charge for each fuel, and the payment method shown on your account.
• Your recent energy use and the region listed for your supply.

Compare those details with the rates Ofgem publishes for the relevant cap period. If a supplier comparison uses a typical household estimate, treat it as an illustration: your own costs will differ with your consumption and circumstances.

Why bills vary across Great Britain

The cap is expressed through rates and standing charges, while actual bills reflect the energy used. Two households on the same kind of tariff can therefore pay different amounts. Rates can also vary by region and payment method, so a headline figure for a typical household is not a personal bill forecast.

Ofgem publishes the cap periods and rates on its energy price cap page. Check that page for the applicable 1 October–31 December 2026 announcement, then compare its figures with your tariff and latest bill. If the published rates or your tariff details change, use the updated information when reviewing your costs.

Source: Ofgem

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Source check Source

Ofgem’s energy price cap page explains the cap and lists rates for applicable periods.

Checks

• Confirm the rates for 1 October–31 December 2026
• Check whether your tariff is a default tariff
• Compare rates with your latest bill and meter details

Source

• Ofgem

Ofgem Check Ofgem cap rates

Source

Ofgem

Scope

Great Britain

Updated

2026-10-13 10:02

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