Energy price cap rates by region
The Ofgem energy price cap sets the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can apply to domestic customers on standard variable tariffs. Rates vary by region because gas and electricity distribution costs differ across the country. Enter your postcode below to see the rates that apply to your area from 1 July 2026.
Rates shown are Ofgem price cap rates for direct debit customers from 1 July to 30 September 2026 unless otherwise stated. Prepayment rates are shown separately below. Utility Matchmaker publishes this information for educational purposes. These are not tariff quotes. Use the comparison tool to see live tariffs available at your address.
The Ofgem price cap rose by about 13% on 1 July 2026 under Ofgem's updated typical consumption assumptions, putting the current headline figure at £1,663 for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit. Most households on standard variable tariffs will see higher bills. Fixed tariffs launched before July 2026 may still be cheaper. Compare at your postcode to see what is available. For why the same rates are also quoted as £1,862, see why the price cap shows £1,663 and £1,862. Ofgem has announced the October 2026 price cap, which takes effect from 1 October; July rates on this page remain current until then.
All regional rates from 1 July 2026
The table below shows the Ofgem price cap unit rates and standing charges for all 14 UK distribution regions, applicable from 1 July to 30 September 2026 for direct debit customers.
Direct debit rates, 1 July to 30 September 2026
| Region | Gas unit rate | Gas standing charge | Elec unit rate | Elec standing charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West | 7.24p/kWh | 29.17p/day | 26.13p/kWh | 47.61p/day |
| Northern | 7.28p/kWh | 29.15p/day | 25.22p/kWh | 64.29p/day |
| Yorkshire | 7.27p/kWh | 29.12p/day | 25.31p/kWh | 64.38p/day |
| Northern Scotland | 7.23p/kWh | 29.22p/day | 26.42p/kWh | 57.55p/day |
| Southern | 7.53p/kWh | 28.53p/day | 26.42p/kWh | 49.70p/day |
| Southern Scotland | 7.23p/kWh | 29.24p/day | 25.85p/kWh | 64.17p/day |
| N Wales & Mersey | 7.28p/kWh | 29.42p/day | 27.66p/kWh | 70.76p/day |
| London | 7.50p/kWh | 29.52p/day | 26.35p/kWh | 44.78p/day |
| South East | 7.39p/kWh | 28.63p/day | 26.67p/kWh | 54.45p/day |
| Eastern | 7.26p/kWh | 28.70p/day | 26.38p/kWh | 53.94p/day |
| East Midlands | 7.19p/kWh | 28.78p/day | 25.10p/kWh | 53.60p/day |
| Midlands | 7.27p/kWh | 29.06p/day | 25.33p/kWh | 59.71p/day |
| Southern Western | 7.48p/kWh | 28.68p/day | 26.39p/kWh | 57.89p/day |
| South Wales | 7.42p/kWh | 29.30p/day | 26.33p/kWh | 57.84p/day |
Source: Ofgem energy price cap Q3 2026 (July to September 2026). Includes VAT at 5%. Direct debit payment method.
Prepayment meter rates, 1 July to 30 September 2026
| Region | Gas unit rate | Gas standing charge | Elec unit rate | Elec standing charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West | 6.95p/kWh | 29.17p/day | 25.34p/kWh | 47.61p/day |
| Northern | 7.06p/kWh | 29.15p/day | 24.46p/kWh | 64.29p/day |
| Yorkshire | 7.01p/kWh | 29.12p/day | 24.54p/kWh | 64.38p/day |
| Northern Scotland | 6.95p/kWh | 29.22p/day | 25.62p/kWh | 57.55p/day |
| Southern | 7.32p/kWh | 28.53p/day | 25.62p/kWh | 49.70p/day |
| Southern Scotland | 6.95p/kWh | 29.24p/day | 25.07p/kWh | 64.17p/day |
| N Wales & Mersey | 6.99p/kWh | 29.42p/day | 26.82p/kWh | 70.76p/day |
| London | 7.27p/kWh | 29.52p/day | 25.55p/kWh | 44.78p/day |
| South East | 7.14p/kWh | 28.63p/day | 25.86p/kWh | 54.45p/day |
| Eastern | 7.06p/kWh | 28.70p/day | 25.58p/kWh | 53.94p/day |
| East Midlands | 6.92p/kWh | 28.78p/day | 24.34p/kWh | 53.60p/day |
| Midlands | 7.01p/kWh | 29.06p/day | 24.57p/kWh | 59.71p/day |
| Southern Western | 7.27p/kWh | 28.68p/day | 25.59p/kWh | 57.89p/day |
| South Wales | 7.15p/kWh | 29.30p/day | 25.53p/kWh | 57.84p/day |
These rates apply to customers with prepayment (pay-as-you-go) meters from 1 July 2026.
View April to June 2026 rates
| Region | Gas unit rate | Gas standing charge | Elec unit rate | Elec standing charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West | 5.65p/kWh | 29.22p/day | 24.70p/kWh | 47.63p/day |
| Northern | 5.69p/kWh | 29.20p/day | 23.81p/kWh | 64.30p/day |
| Yorkshire | 5.68p/kWh | 29.18p/day | 23.85p/kWh | 64.40p/day |
| Northern Scotland | 5.64p/kWh | 29.27p/day | 25.02p/kWh | 57.57p/day |
| Southern | 5.94p/kWh | 28.56p/day | 24.98p/kWh | 49.70p/day |
| Southern Scotland | 5.64p/kWh | 29.30p/day | 24.40p/kWh | 64.20p/day |
| N Wales & Mersey | 5.69p/kWh | 29.48p/day | 26.19p/kWh | 70.78p/day |
| London | 5.91p/kWh | 29.60p/day | 24.90p/kWh | 44.83p/day |
| South East | 5.80p/kWh | 28.67p/day | 25.23p/kWh | 54.45p/day |
| Eastern | 5.67p/kWh | 28.74p/day | 24.94p/kWh | 53.95p/day |
| East Midlands | 5.60p/kWh | 28.82p/day | 23.67p/kWh | 53.61p/day |
| Midlands | 5.69p/kWh | 29.11p/day | 23.89p/kWh | 59.72p/day |
| Southern Western | 5.89p/kWh | 28.72p/day | 24.97p/kWh | 57.90p/day |
| South Wales | 5.84p/kWh | 29.35p/day | 24.90p/kWh | 57.86p/day |
Related guides and tools: July 2026 price cap explained · October 2026 price cap (from 1 October) · Why £1,663 and £1,862 both appear · What is the energy price cap? · Price cap history chart · Annual bill estimator · Standing charge calculator
National average rates
These are the national average rates used in Ofgem's headline price cap figures. Your actual regional rates above may differ slightly.
July 2026 (1 July to 30 September 2026), direct debit
- Gas: 7.33p/kWh unit rate | 29.04p/day standing charge
- Electricity: 26.11p/kWh unit rate | 57.19p/day standing charge
- Typical annual dual fuel bill: £1,663
April 2026 (1 April to 30 June 2026), direct debit
- Gas: 5.74p/kWh unit rate | 29.09p/day standing charge
- Electricity: 24.67p/kWh unit rate | 57.21p/day standing charge
- Typical annual dual fuel bill: £1,477
Source: Ofgem price cap announcement 27 May 2026. Typical bill based on Ofgem domestic consumption values (2,500 kWh electricity, 9,500 kWh gas). Includes 5% VAT.
Frequently asked questions about the price cap
Why do price cap rates differ by region?
The Ofgem price cap sets a national maximum structure, but the exact unit rates and standing charges differ across Great Britain's 14 electricity and gas distribution network regions. Each network has different infrastructure and operating costs, which feed into the regional capped rates shown in the tables on this page. Enter your postcode above to see the rates that apply in your area.
How do I find out which energy region I am in?
Enter your postcode in the tool above and we will identify your region automatically. Alternatively, the Energy Networks Association maintains a postcode lookup at energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
Does the price cap mean I pay a fixed amount?
No. The price cap sets the maximum unit rates and standing charges your supplier can apply. Your actual bill depends on how much energy you use. A household that uses more than Ofgem's typical consumption level will pay more than the headline £1,663 annual figure; one that uses less will pay less.
I pay by prepayment meter. Do different rates apply?
Yes. Prepayment meter rates are shown separately in the tables above. From April 2024 Ofgem rules require prepayment rates to be no higher than direct debit rates on standard variable tariffs. The prepayment rates shown are slightly lower on some unit rates but the difference is small.
Can I fix my energy price below the July 2026 cap?
Fixed tariffs are available from some suppliers at rates below the July 2026 price cap. Fixed deals lock in your unit rates for a set period, typically 12 months, regardless of how the cap moves in later quarters. Compare available tariffs at your postcode to see what is currently on offer.
What happens to these rates from 1 October 2026?
Ofgem announced the October to December 2026 cap on 26 August 2026. From 1 October the headline figure rises to £1,723 under the current typical-use basis. Until 30 September 2026 the July rates on this page remain the ones that apply to standard variable tariffs. See our October 2026 price cap guide for the announced figures.
Could you pay less than the price cap?
Fixed tariffs are currently available below the July 2026 price cap for typical households. Compare tariffs at your postcode to see what is available at your address.
Price cap rates last reviewed: September 2026. Rates shown are for Q3 2026 (1 July to 30 September 2026) and remain current until 30 September. Source: Ofgem. Next period begins 1 October 2026; the following announcement is expected around 25 November 2026 for January to March 2027.