Energy Price Cap to rise by 13% from July to September 2026 - what this means for you
Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has announced today that the price cap will increase to £1,862 from 1 July 2026.
How much is the energy price cap going up in July?
For an average household paying by Direct Debit, for gas and electricity, the price cap will increase by 13% to £1,862 per year from 1 July 2026.
What is the price cap?
Ofgem's price cap limits what energy companies can charge for gas and electricity for customers on Standard Variable tariffs. Rates are reviewed every three months, so the price you pay for energy can change, either up or down, each quarter.
In summary
- Anyone on a standard or tracker tariff will see an increase in their energy prices from 1 July
- Switching to a fixed tariff may save you money
- With current volatility in the energy market, further increases could happen this year. Stay informed with our price cap predictions
Our colleague explains in simple terms what this means
Why is the price cap increasing again?
Wholesale energy prices are unstable right now due to ongoing conflicts and disruptions in the Middle East, which means uncertainty will likely continue. Our team of experts has created an easy way for customers to follow price cap forecasts, providing you with a clearer understanding of how energy costs may evolve over the coming year. Having this to hand helps you avoid overpaying and decide whether to switch to a tracker or fixed tariff.
The increase to the price cap from 1 July is significant, and we recognise the pressure this may place on household budgets. Fixed deals are expected to continue offering savings compared with the new cap level, so they may be worth considering—particularly if you’re looking for greater certainty over your energy costs.
If you’re worried about paying your energy bills, or are already struggling, please don’t wait to get in touch. Support is available, and we’re committed to helping customers find practical solutions and access the assistance they may need.
Jon Perks - Sales and Marketing Director
Will the price cap increase affect me?
If you’re on a standard variable tariff or a tariff linked to the price cap, such as our Simply Tracker or heat pump tariff, your energy bill will increase from 1 July 2026. This rise is being driven by higher wholesale energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is pushing up global gas costs. As the UK still relies heavily on gas, these global price increases feed through into what we all pay.
That’s why, at EDF, we’re investing heavily in cleaner, homegrown energy to reduce our reliance on volatile global markets and bring more stable, affordable energy to the UK.
What do the new price cap rates look like
Below is a 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, including VAT at 5%.
| Current 1 April to 30 June 2026 Ofgem energy price cap rates | New 1 July to 30 Sept 2026 Ofgem energy price cap rates | |
| Electricity | Unit rate: 24.67p per kWh Standing charge: 57.21p per day | Unit rate: 26.11p per kWh Standing charge: 57.19p per day |
| Gas | Unit rate: 5.74p per kWh Standing charge: 29.09p per day | Unit rate: 7.33p per kWh Standing charge: 29.04p per day |
How can I tell if I'm on a standard variable tariff?
The chances are that if you didn't renew your energy tariff when your fixed deal was ending, 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. Across the UK, around 19 million households (roughly 60% to 65% of homes) are still potentially paying more because they are on a standard tariff.
- 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
How can I stay updated on changes to the price cap?
It can be tricky keeping on top of the price cap changes.
Our experts keep you in the loop: Our industry experts' price predictions for the coming year. They can help you work out which tariff type is best for you. These are updated weekly. See our price cap predictions
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.
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 summer – see if you can save money with an energy quote. Now may be the time to look at fixed energy deals. Our current fixed tariff lets you lock in your energy prices for 12 months, so you can sit back and relax knowing your rates won't change.
It may be time to switch energy suppliers
If you feel you’re paying too much for your energy, and with the new price cap changes coming into force in July, 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 a smart meter 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.
Switch energy supplier
Read our helpful guide on everything you need to know before switching energy supplier!
Tracker energy tariffs
Find out more about tracker tariffs - how they work, their benefits and whether a fixed tariff is best for your home.
Understand what fixed energy tariffs are
Find out how fixed tariffs work, their benefits and whether a fixed energy deal is best for your home.
Score with Refer a Friend this summer!
From 21 May to 13 July 2026, every time you successfully refer a friend to EDF using your referral link, they’ll get £75 and you’ll score £100.
Share the offer far and wide! There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer… or how much you can earn.
So lace up, get sharing, and start scoring those rewards!
Plus, EDF Small Business customers can now refer friends, family and colleagues too. T&Cs apply
Related articles
Should I fix my energy tariff?
