UnitRate.co.uk

The energy price cap

The cap limits the unit rates and standing charges a default tariff can charge. It is not a limit on your bill — what you pay depends on how much you use.

Cap period now in force1 July to 30 September 2026
Electricity, GB average26.11p per kWh
Electricity standing charge57.19p a day
Gas, GB average7.33p per kWh
Gas standing charge29.04p a day
Next published period1 October to 31 December 2026

Source: Ofgem · Period: 1 July to 30 September 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-13

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What the change costs you

Pick your region and usage. We price the published cap periods against each other so you see pounds a year, not a national headline.

kWh a year
kWh a year

Change to your yearly cost

+£77

From £1,845 now to £1,922 from 01/10

Electricity now (1 July to 30 September 2026)£875
Gas now£970
Electricity from 1 October to 31 December 2026£875
Gas from the same date£1,047
At your usage in London, the published change works out at about £77 a year more — roughly £6.43 a month. This is the capped rate, not a bill: what you actually pay still depends on how much you use. Note the VAT treatment of electricity differs between these periods, so the two are not like-for-like.

Source: Ofgem · Takes effect: 1 October to 31 December 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-13

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Why the headline figure is not your bill

The price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges an eligible default tariff can charge. It is not a maximum bill - what you pay depends on how much energy you use.

The widely quoted annual figure describes a household using typical amounts of gas and electricity, paying by direct debit. Use more and you pay more; use less and you pay less.

When does it change?

Ofgem reviews the cap quarterly and publishes the new levels weeks before they take effect. The next period already published runs 1 October to 31 December 2026, and you can see what it does to your own bill.

Mistakes that change the answer

  • Treating the cap as a maximum bill rather than a cap on rates.
  • Comparing cap periods with different VAT treatment as if they were like-for-like.
  • Assuming the cap applies to a fixed tariff. It does not.

Common questions

Will my energy bill go up?
Only the calculator above can answer that for you, because it depends on your region, payment method and usage.
Is Unit Rate.co.uk part of Ofgem?
No. We are an independent calculator service that imports the figures Ofgem publishes and shows the source and date for every one.

See whether you could pay less

Your results above are based on official Ofgem figures and your own numbers. Switching is optional and nothing here changes what the calculation says.

Compare your tariff against another

Affiliate disclosure — commercial links never change your results or the Ofgem figures we show.

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