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Energy price cap: the current level, and when it changes

The energy price cap limits what a supplier can charge for each unit of energy and the daily standing charge on a standard variable tariff; it does not cap your total bill. From 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026 a typical household on Direct Debit pays £1,723 a year. Ofgem sets it every 3 months.

Last updated 16 Oct 2026 · Joel Lister, founder of Radar

Who this is for: households in Great Britain on a standard variable (default) energy tariff, or whose fixed deal is ending.

Who it is not for: fixed tariffs, which the cap does not cover, or business energy.

1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026Source
Typical household, Direct Debit£1,723 a year (up 4%, a rise of £60 over a year, from £1,663)Ofgem
Electricity26.32p per kWh, standing charge 54.83p a dayOfgem
Gas7.97p per kWh, standing charge 29.68p a dayOfgem
Next levelFor 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2027, announced on 25 November 2026Ofgem

What the price cap is, and is not

The cap is the most your supplier can charge for a unit of energy and the standing charge together. It is not a limit on your bill: the more energy you use, the more you pay. It protects standard variable tariffs; if you agreed a fixed tariff with your supplier, the cap does not cover it (Ofgem).

When the price cap changes

Ofgem sets the cap every 3 months (Ofgem), for periods starting on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October, and publishes each new level a few weeks before it starts: the level from 1 October 2026 was announced on 26 August, and the level from 1 January 2027 will be announced on 25 November 2026 (Ofgem, Ofgem).

Why this quarter’s figures are different

The government removed VAT from electricity bills from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027; gas still has 5% VAT (Ofgem). And in July Ofgem lowered its typical consumption values, the household use the typical bill is based on, so the £1,723 cannot be compared directly with figures from before then (Ofgem).

The figures above are averages for Direct Debit; your own rates depend on your region, meter and how you pay, and are on your bill.

What Radar does with this

  • Life setup asks: “When does your energy tariff end?” Fixed deals move to a standard rate when they end. Radar reminds you 30 days ahead.
  • Life setup asks when your energy tariff ends and puts it on your Radar a month ahead, so the end of a fixed deal is a choice you make in time.

Radar reads the calendars, task lists and CRM you connect, and the dates you give it. It writes back only when you press a button, and it never sends anything by itself.

Limitations and status

  • Radar reminds you when your tariff ends; it does not compare or switch energy deals.
  • These are Ofgem’s figures for 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026; this page is updated when Ofgem announces the next level.
Put your energy and other home dates in your calendar — free, no accountLook at a sample radar — no login

Also free: Radar Lite, the habit tracker on its own, for you and anyone 13 or over in the family.

Questions

What is the energy price cap now?

From 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026, £1,723 a year for a typical household on Direct Debit, up 4%, a rise of £60 over a year. (Ofgem)

When does the energy price cap change?

Every 3 months. The next level, for 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2027, is announced on 25 November 2026. (Ofgem, Ofgem)

Does the price cap limit my bill?

No. It limits the unit rate and standing charge on a standard variable tariff; the more energy you use, the more you pay. (Ofgem)

Does the price cap apply to fixed tariffs?

No. It protects standard variable tariffs only. (Ofgem)

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Sources

Written by Joel Lister, founder of Radar · first published 16 Oct 2026. Radar is made by Neos Technologies Ltd.