What the price cap does and does not mean
The price cap is a regulated pricing framework for eligible tariffs. It is not a promise that every household will pay one fixed annual bill because usage, tariff details and the applicable period still matter.
Use unit rates and standing charges for your account
When checking a statement, use the unit rates, standing charges, payment method and dates shown on your own tariff. A headline annual illustration cannot replace those account-specific inputs.
Current figures: 1 October to 31 December 2026
Ofgem lists a typical annual Direct Debit figure of £1,723 for 1 October to 31 December 2026, based on average use in England, Scotland and Wales. This is an annual illustration if that period’s rates were sustained; it is not a limit on your household bill. Average Direct Debit rates for the same period are 26.32p/kWh and 54.83p/day for electricity, and 7.97p/kWh and 29.68p/day for gas. The published figures include 5% VAT on gas; no VAT on electricity from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. These figures were checked on 2026-10-13 and need review when Ofgem publishes the next period.
How to use the figure safely
Use the dated figure to understand the scale and structure of the cap, then check your own tariff. Regional rates and payment-method tables differ, and a fixed tariff is not treated in the same way as an eligible default tariff. Northern Ireland has a separate regulatory framework and is not covered by this Great Britain guidance.
When the next update is due
Ofgem reviews the cap every three months. Recheck the official unit-rate page before using any number in a new comparison, and keep the period and source beside the calculation rather than copying the figure into an evergreen claim.
Compare the decision, not just the label
If you are considering a different tariff, first understand the current account and compare the full cost using a realistic usage period. A lower unit rate can still produce a different total when standing charges and usage change.