Ofgem's energy price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2026 is £1,862 a year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit, 13% higher than the previous cap period. That is not a maximum bill: your actual total still depends on how much energy you use, your region, meter and payment method.
For a typical Direct Debit customer across England, Scotland and Wales, Ofgem lists average electricity at 26.11p/kWh with a 57.19p daily standing charge, and gas at 7.33p/kWh with a 29.04p daily standing charge. Regional rates vary.
What the price cap does - and does not - mean
The cap limits the unit rates and standing charges a supplier can apply to a default tariff. It does not cap the amount of energy a home can consume, and it does not apply in the same way to a fixed tariff. Ofgem says the next cap period, covering October to December 2026, is due to be announced by 26 August, so do not plan the whole winter around the July figure.
The official figures and regional tables are on Ofgem's price-cap page. If you cannot pay, contact your supplier early; Ofgem says suppliers must offer support when asked.
Safe checks before the heating goes back on
- Test the heating briefly before the first cold spell, so a fault is found while appointments are easier to get
- Check the boiler display and pressure only against the manufacturer's instructions - do not remove the casing
- Bleed a cold-at-the-top radiator if you know the procedure, then re-check system pressure as the manual directs
- Make sure furniture and curtains are not blocking radiators or thermostats
- Book routine servicing with a Gas Safe registered engineer rather than waiting for a winter breakdown
When saving energy becomes unsafe
Never block vents, use an outdoor heater or barbecue indoors, or keep resetting a boiler that locks out. A gas smell, carbon-monoxide alarm, scorching, smoke, sparking or a warm consumer unit is not an efficiency problem - leave the equipment alone, move to safety and use the appropriate emergency service.
If the boiler will not start, work through our boiler checklist without opening the appliance. If the fault remains or there is no heat when conditions turn cold, get an emergency heating engineer on the way.