Overview
- The price cap will rise by 13% from 1 July to 30 September 2026, lifting a typical dual‑fuel direct‑debit bill by about £221 to roughly £1,862 for that period.
- Ofgem says the rise is driven mainly by higher wholesale gas costs linked to conflict and supply disruption in the Middle East, with electricity prices increasing far less because of greater renewable generation.
- Typical unit rates for default tariffs are estimated to move to about 26.11p per kWh for electricity and 7.33p per kWh for gas while standing charges remain largely unchanged.
- Around 40% of accounts on fixed tariffs are insulated until their contracts end, but suppliers will apply the new cap differently by payment method: direct debits change on 1 July, smart meters update automatically, and prepayment meters use the higher rates at the first top‑up on or after 1 July.
- Consumer advisers urge households on default deals to act now by shopping for competitive fixed tariffs or cutting usage because the window to avoid the rise is narrowing and future increases at the October review could push bills higher this winter.