It caps prices, not your total bill
The cap limits what suppliers can charge per kWh and standing charge on standard variable/default tariffs. Use more energy and the bill still rises.
What the cap actually means
The headline is a typical household
Ofgem uses typical consumption values to turn unit prices into a headline annual figure. Your home may be lower or higher.
It is reviewed every three months
A variable tariff can move when the cap changes. A fixed tariff can protect against rises but can also miss falls.
Standing charges matter
Standing charges apply even before usage. A low unit rate with a high standing charge is not always cheaper for low-use households.
Current cap
1 April to 30 June 2026
Ofgem says the cap is GBP 1,641 per year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit. The previous January to March 2026 figure was GBP 1,758. Treat the headline as a comparison marker, not your personal forecast.
| Your action | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Find annual kWh on your bill | Usage is the core comparison input. |
| Compare unit rates and standing charges | Monthly payments can hide the real tariff. |
| Check exit fees and end date | A small saving can vanish if the exit fee is large. |
| Check support before switching if in arrears | Debt, prepay and vulnerability rules change the decision. |