# How often is the energy price cap reviewed?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-often-is-energy-price-cap-reviewed/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-often-is-energy-price-cap-reviewed.md

## In short

Ofgem updates the cap quarterly — January, April, July and October — based on wholesale energy costs, network charges and policy levies. Standard variable tariffs cannot charge above the cap for typical dual-fuel households.

The cap applies to default and standard variable tariffs, not necessarily fixed deals you choose to lock in.

Standing charge and unit rate are capped separately; both affect your total bill.

See energy price cap explained and standing charge guide.

## Related

- [Energy price cap explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills/energy-price-cap-explained/)
- [What is the energy price cap?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-the-energy-price-cap/)
- [Standing charge explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/standing-charge-explained/)

## Primary source

ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/energy-price-cap

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.