Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has announced that the price cap will fall to £1,640 from 1 April 2026.

How much is the energy price cap going down in April?

For an average household paying by Direct Debit, for gas and electricity, the price cap will decrease by 7% to £1,641 per year from 1 April 2026. 

What’s changing?

This means if you’re on a standard variable tariff or a tariff that tracks the price cap, your energy bill will fall from 1 April 2026. This decrease includes the discount following the UK Government's action in the Autumn Budget last year.

How does the price cap decrease affect me?

Breakdown of the average standing charges and unit rates for Direct Debit customers on a standard variable tariff (default tariff), based on an average across England, Scotland and Wales, includes VAT at 5%:

• You'll see a reduction in your bill due to the UK Government's action in the Autumn Budget last year
• Customers may be able to make further savings by switching to a tracker tariff
• As the cap is reviewed every three months, changes could be on the way. Stay informed with our price cap predictions. 

How does the price cap affect me?

This upcoming announcement sets the capped price for variable, default tariffs for the spring months from 1 April to 30 June 2026. View our price cap predictions to get a better idea of how we think energy prices will change over the next year, and decide whether you want to switch to a tracker or fixed rate energy tariff.

How can I tell if I'm on a standard variable tariff?

The chances are, if you didn't renew your energy tariff when your fixed deal was ending, or you didn't switch provider, or moved into a home and continued on the energy tariff already in place, you're on a Standard Variable or default tariff. To be certain:

• Check your energy bill: This will give you all the information about the type of tariff you're currently using in your home
• Can't find a bill? Get in touch with your energy supplier: They'll let you know what tariff you're on

What is the price cap?

The Ofgem price cap sets a limit on what energy companies can charge per unit of gas and electricity for customers on default tariffs, also known as Standard Variable tariffs. The rate price is usually reviewed every three months, which means the price you pay for energy can change, either going up or down, each quarter of the year. 

Do remember, it’s only the unit price that’s affected by Ofgem's price cap – the more energy you use, the more your bill will go up, irrespective of how much the unit rate is capped.

How can I stay updated on changes to the price cap?

It can be tricky keeping on top of the price cap changes. That's why we share our industry experts' price predictions for the coming year. They can help you work out which tariff type is best for your home. See our price cap predictions  

Philippe Commaret, Managing Director of Customers at EDF, said: “It is welcome news that Government support means that the price cap is decreasing, but we wanted to see how we could go further in reducing costs for EDF customers. 57% of customers are still on standard variable rates – by opting for a fixed or tracker tariff, customers can start saving today. This tracker tariff guarantees customers will always save £100 against the price cap, regardless of the changes to the energy price cap over the next year.

“Plus, by applying the discount through standing charges, we ensure that customers who are already working to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint still benefit from equal cost savings.”

What can I do to manage my energy bill?

The price cap might set your rates, but there’s still plenty you can do to help keep your bills in check:

Check your tariff

After reviewing the price cap changes, see what tariff’s best for your home – compare the price cap prices against our tariffs. Our current tracker tariff offers £100 savings for dual fuel customers, or save £50 when you have just one fuel. ⁽¹⁾

Switch to a fixed or tracker tariff 

Once you’ve compared prices and considered the new price cap changes, you may think switching to a fixed or tracker tariff for your energy is the best option for the spring – see if you can save money with an energy quote.

It may be time to switch energy supplier

If you feel you’re paying too much for your energy, and with the new price cap changes coming into force in October, it may be a good time to switch energy supplier. For more help, read our guide to switching energy suppliers.

Pay by Direct Debit

It’s usually cheaper to pay for your energy by Direct Debit, rather than by cash, card or cheque – for more handy tips, visit our energy tips and advice.

Know your energy spend

Keep an eye on your energy: If you have a smart meter, use it to track how much energy you’re using.

Don’t have a smart meter? 

Make sure to submit regular readings to your energy supplier so you’re only paying for what you use; we can help you get one installed.

Ask for help if you need it

If things get tough, please get in touch as soon as you can.

Looking ahead

At EDF, we’re working to make energy simpler, fairer, and better value for the long term.

From free electricity every Sunday with our Sunday Saver challenges, to energy tariffs designed to use energy when it’s cheapest, we’re helping you get more from your energy. We’re also installing smart meters so you can access our best offers, and working with Which? Trusted installers to support customers choosing low-carbon technology.

With continued improvements to our customer service and a clear commitment to Britain’s zero-carbon future, we’re here to help you save energy and money — now and for years to come.