Ofgem confirms July 2026 energy price cap for typical households
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Ofgem confirmed a 13% rise in unit rates from 1 July 2026 — about £18 a month for a typical dual-fuel home on a standard variable tariff. Fixed deals may still beat the cap if you want price certainty.
By Money Guide editorial team
Updated:
Ofgem published the energy price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2026 on 27 May. Unit rates and standing charges on default tariffs rise by about 13% compared with the April–June quarter, reflecting wholesale gas prices during the February–May assessment window — including spikes linked to the Middle East conflict.
Using the previous 'typical use' benchmark, a dual-fuel household paying by direct debit would pay around £1,862 a year if rates stayed at the cap level all year — up from roughly £1,641 now. From 1 July, Ofgem also updates its typical consumption figures (lower electricity and gas use), so the headline illustrative bill is around £1,663 — the rate rise is still 13%; the benchmark changed.
If you are on a standard variable tariff, your supplier will change your rates automatically from 1 July. Fixed-tariff customers keep their deal until it ends. Fix prices track current wholesale markets and can move faster than the cap — so a fix can be cheaper than both today's cap and July's cap even when headlines focus on the quarterly reset.
Analysts currently expect a further small rise for the October 2026 cap, though forecasts can change. Households already on a cheap fix with time left may be better staying put; those on standard tariffs should compare fixing versus riding the cap before 1 July.
If you are struggling to pay, contact your supplier early about an affordable payment plan and check the Warm Home Discount, Household Support Fund and Priority Services Register.