How often does the energy price cap change?

Every three months, on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. Ofgem announces each new cap about five weeks before it starts: in late February, May, August and November.

Why should I submit a meter reading when the price cap changes?

Your supplier needs to know how much energy you used before the change and how much after. If you don't send a reading, it estimates the split. When prices rise, an estimate can bill some of the energy you used before the change at the new, higher rate. A reading taken on the day keeps your bill accurate.

When exactly should I take the reading?

On the day the new rates start, or the evening before. Most suppliers will accept a reading taken a few days either side of the change and work out the split, but the closer to the date the more accurate your bill. Take a photo of the meter with the date on it in case you need to show it later.

Do I need to submit a reading if I have a smart meter?

Usually not. A working smart meter sends readings to your supplier automatically. Check your supplier's app or your last bill: if it shows estimated readings, your smart meter may not be communicating, so send a reading yourself.

Does the price cap affect me if I'm on a fixed tariff?

No. A fixed tariff keeps the same unit rates and standing charges until it ends, whatever happens to the cap. The cap only limits standard variable (default) tariffs. If your fix ends soon, check when, as you'll move to your supplier's variable tariff unless you choose a new deal.

Does the price cap limit my total bill?

No. It caps the unit rate and the daily standing charge, not your bill. The 'typical bill' figure Ofgem quotes is for a household using an average amount of gas and electricity. You pay more if you use more.

How can I use less gas this winter?

Gas central heating is usually the biggest part of an energy bill. A boiler that's serviced every year and set up properly runs more efficiently. Turning the boiler's flow temperature down to around 60°C lets a condensing boiler work at its most efficient without changing how warm your home feels. If your boiler is over 15 years old, a new A-rated boiler can cut your gas use noticeably. See our [boiler service](/heating/boiler-service) or [boiler replacement costs](/tools/boiler-replacement-cost).

All tools & calculators

When does the energy price cap change next?

The date your gas and electricity rates change, and when to send your meter readings so you're billed the right price.

Next price cap change

Friday 1 January 2027

In 82 days

Ofgem announces the new rates by 25 November 2026.

By 25 November 2026
Ofgem announces whether prices go up or down
31 December 2026
Last day on today's rates
1 January 2027
New rates start. Take your meter readings.

Add to Google Calendar

Adds a reminder at 9am on each change day for the next two years, plus one on the day Ofgem is due to announce the new rates. Nothing is sent to us.

Take a meter reading on 1 January 2027.

We won't know whether prices go up or down until Ofgem announces the new cap. Either way, a reading taken on 1 January 2027 (or the evening of 31 December) means you're billed the right rate for the energy you used before and after the change. It matters most when prices rise.

Standard variable tariff, ordinary meter

Send a reading. This is who the cap applies to, and whose bill is estimated without one.

Smart meter

Usually sent automatically. If your app or bill shows estimated readings, send one yourself.

Fixed tariff

Your rates don't change with the cap, so no reading is needed unless your fix ends around the same date.

Prepayment meter

Nothing to send. You pay as you go, and your supplier updates the meter with the new rates.

Today's capped rates

1 October to 31 December 2026. Average Direct Debit rates for England, Scotland and Wales, including VAT. Yours depend on your region and how you pay. A typical household using gas and electricity pays £1,723 a year.

Average rate	Now	Change
Electricity unit rate	26.32p per kWh	+0.21p
Electricity standing charge	54.83p per day	−2.36p
Gas unit rate	7.97p per kWh	+0.64p
Gas standing charge	29.68p per day	+0.64p

There is no VAT on electricity from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, so electricity rates aren't directly comparable with earlier periods.

The next four changes

1 January 2027
Announced by 25 November 2026
1 April 2027
Announcement expected late February 2027
1 July 2027
Announcement expected late May 2027
1 October 2027
Announcement expected late August 2027

Recent changes

1 October 2026
Up 4%
1 July 2026
Up 13%
1 April 2026
Down 7%
1 January 2026
Up 0.2%

Change for a typical household paying by Direct Debit, as Ofgem reported it.

Figures from Ofgem, last checked 11 October 2026. Renzy isn't an energy supplier: check your own rates with yours.

Questions about the energy price cap

How often does the energy price cap change?: Every three months, on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. Ofgem announces each new cap about five weeks before it starts: in late February, May, August and November.
Why should I submit a meter reading when the price cap changes?: Your supplier needs to know how much energy you used before the change and how much after. If you don't send a reading, it estimates the split. When prices rise, an estimate can bill some of the energy you used before the change at the new, higher rate. A reading taken on the day keeps your bill accurate.
When exactly should I take the reading?: On the day the new rates start, or the evening before. Most suppliers will accept a reading taken a few days either side of the change and work out the split, but the closer to the date the more accurate your bill. Take a photo of the meter with the date on it in case you need to show it later.
Do I need to submit a reading if I have a smart meter?: Usually not. A working smart meter sends readings to your supplier automatically. Check your supplier's app or your last bill: if it shows estimated readings, your smart meter may not be communicating, so send a reading yourself.
Does the price cap affect me if I'm on a fixed tariff?: No. A fixed tariff keeps the same unit rates and standing charges until it ends, whatever happens to the cap. The cap only limits standard variable (default) tariffs. If your fix ends soon, check when, as you'll move to your supplier's variable tariff unless you choose a new deal.
Does the price cap limit my total bill?: No. It caps the unit rate and the daily standing charge, not your bill. The 'typical bill' figure Ofgem quotes is for a household using an average amount of gas and electricity. You pay more if you use more.
How can I use less gas this winter?: Gas central heating is usually the biggest part of an energy bill. A boiler that's serviced every year and set up properly runs more efficiently. Turning the boiler's flow temperature down to around 60°C lets a condensing boiler work at its most efficient without changing how warm your home feels. If your boiler is over 15 years old, a new A-rated boiler can cut your gas use noticeably. See our boiler service or boiler replacement costs.