Ofgem’s energy price cap rose by 4% on 1 October 2026, the second rise in a row. For a typical household paying by Direct Debit, the cap now works out at about £1,723 a year, up from £1,663.
The key numbers (1 October to 31 December 2026)
- Typical annual bill: about £1,723
- Electricity unit rate cap: 26.32p per kWh
- Electricity standing charge: 54.83p per day
Suppliers are already warning that bills may stay high into 2027, so many households are looking at how they use energy, not just what they pay for it.
Why this matters if you heat with electricity
Homes with storage heaters or electric radiators feel price rises the most, because heating is the biggest part of the bill. The two biggest levers are heating less wasted space and buying electricity at cheaper times.
Three ways to take back some control
- Heat the room you are in. Infrared panels warm people and surfaces directly, room by room, so you are not paying to heat empty rooms.
- Buy power when it is cheaper. A home battery can charge on an off-peak tariff overnight and run your home through the evening peak.
- Make your own. Solar panels with a battery generate power by day and store it for later.
Not sure which suits your home? Try our three-question quiz or book a free survey.
