Energy price cap rises to £1,723 as the October quarter begins
Ofgem’s annualised benchmark increases by £60; the amount households pay still depends on consumption and tariff.
Great Britain’s new energy price cap takes effect on 1 October, lifting the annualised benchmark for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit from £1,663 to £1,723. Ofgem describes the increase as 4%, or £60 if the new level were maintained for a full year.
A ceiling on rates, not the total bill
The cap covers default tariffs in England, Scotland and Wales and limits unit prices and standing charges. It does not guarantee a maximum household bill: using more energy means paying more. Regional rates and payment methods also affect the calculation.
Fixed contracts are different
Ofgem estimates that around 11 million households, roughly 35%, have fixed tariffs and are not affected by this cap increase. The new period runs through 31 December.
Compare like with like
Ofgem changed its typical-consumption assumptions in July to reflect lower usage. Its £1,723 headline therefore uses the newer benchmark. Comparing it with an older headline based on different consumption can give a misleading impression of the change. The regulator publishes the underlying unit rates separately.
Sources & verification
Sources checked: 1 October 2026
