# Ofgem confirms July 2026 energy price cap for typical households

> Energy & bills · 18 June 2026 · Updated 24 September 2026

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## Summary

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.

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, council crisis help (the Crisis and Resilience Fund in England) and the Priority Services Register.

## Related topics

- [/bills-utilities/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.