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 October 2026.
Rates shown are Ofgem price cap rates for direct debit customers from 1 October to 31 December 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 4% on 1 October 2026, putting the current headline figure at £1,723 for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit. Electricity VAT dropped to 0% from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, which partly offset the wholesale-driven rise on electricity. Gas absorbed the full increase this quarter. For the full context, see our October 2026 price cap guide. For why the same rates are also quoted as approximately £1,935, see why the price cap shows two headline figures.
All regional rates from 1 October 2026
The table below shows the Ofgem price cap unit rates and standing charges for all 14 UK distribution regions, applicable from 1 October to 31 December 2026 for direct debit customers.
Direct debit rates, 1 October to 31 December 2026
| Region | Gas unit rate | Gas standing charge | Elec unit rate | Elec standing charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West | 7.87p/kWh | 29.81p/day | 26.34p/kWh | 45.65p/day |
| Northern | 7.92p/kWh | 29.79p/day | 25.42p/kWh | 61.64p/day |
| Yorkshire | 7.90p/kWh | 29.76p/day | 25.51p/kWh | 61.72p/day |
| Northern Scotland | 7.86p/kWh | 29.86p/day | 26.63p/kWh | 55.18p/day |
| Southern | 8.19p/kWh | 29.16p/day | 26.63p/kWh | 47.65p/day |
| Southern Scotland | 7.86p/kWh | 29.88p/day | 26.06p/kWh | 61.52p/day |
| N Wales & Mersey | 7.92p/kWh | 30.07p/day | 27.88p/kWh | 67.84p/day |
| London | 8.15p/kWh | 30.17p/day | 26.56p/kWh | 42.93p/day |
| South East | 8.04p/kWh | 29.26p/day | 26.88p/kWh | 52.20p/day |
| Eastern | 7.89p/kWh | 29.33p/day | 26.59p/kWh | 51.71p/day |
| East Midlands | 7.82p/kWh | 29.41p/day | 25.30p/kWh | 51.39p/day |
| Midlands | 7.90p/kWh | 29.70p/day | 25.53p/kWh | 57.25p/day |
| Southern Western | 8.13p/kWh | 29.31p/day | 26.60p/kWh | 55.50p/day |
| South Wales | 8.07p/kWh | 29.95p/day | 26.54p/kWh | 55.45p/day |
Source: Ofgem energy price cap Q4 2026 (October to December 2026). Electricity rates include 0% VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Gas rates include 5% VAT. Direct debit payment method.
Prepayment meter rates, 1 October to 31 December 2026
| Region | Gas unit rate | Gas standing charge | Elec unit rate | Elec standing charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West | 7.56p/kWh | 29.81p/day | 25.54p/kWh | 45.65p/day |
| Northern | 7.68p/kWh | 29.79p/day | 24.66p/kWh | 61.64p/day |
| Yorkshire | 7.62p/kWh | 29.76p/day | 24.74p/kWh | 61.72p/day |
| Northern Scotland | 7.56p/kWh | 29.86p/day | 25.83p/kWh | 55.18p/day |
| Southern | 7.96p/kWh | 29.16p/day | 25.83p/kWh | 47.65p/day |
| Southern Scotland | 7.56p/kWh | 29.88p/day | 25.27p/kWh | 61.52p/day |
| N Wales & Mersey | 7.60p/kWh | 30.07p/day | 27.04p/kWh | 67.84p/day |
| London | 7.90p/kWh | 30.17p/day | 25.76p/kWh | 42.93p/day |
| South East | 7.76p/kWh | 29.26p/day | 26.07p/kWh | 52.20p/day |
| Eastern | 7.68p/kWh | 29.33p/day | 25.79p/kWh | 51.71p/day |
| East Midlands | 7.52p/kWh | 29.41p/day | 24.54p/kWh | 51.39p/day |
| Midlands | 7.62p/kWh | 29.70p/day | 24.77p/kWh | 57.25p/day |
| Southern Western | 7.90p/kWh | 29.31p/day | 25.80p/kWh | 55.50p/day |
| South Wales | 7.77p/kWh | 29.95p/day | 25.74p/kWh | 55.45p/day |
These rates apply to customers with prepayment (pay-as-you-go) meters from 1 October 2026.
View July to September 2026 rates
| 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 |
Related guides and tools: October 2026 price cap explained · July 2026 price cap (previous period) · Why £1,723 and £1,935 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.
October 2026 (1 October to 31 December 2026), direct debit
- Gas: 7.97p/kWh unit rate | 29.68p/day standing charge
- Electricity: 26.32p/kWh unit rate | 54.83p/day standing charge
- Typical annual dual fuel bill: £1,723
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
Source: Ofgem price cap announcement 26 August 2026. Typical bill based on Ofgem domestic consumption values (2,500 kWh electricity, 9,500 kWh gas). Electricity includes 0% VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. 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 £1,723 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 relative to the October 2026 cap?
Fixed tariffs are not subject to the price cap in the same way as standard variable tariffs. Whether a fixed deal costs more or less than the capped variable rate depends on market conditions when you compare. Tariff prices change often and depend on your postcode and usage. Review and compare what is available for your home.
Review tariffs at your postcode
Tariff prices change often and depend on your postcode and usage. Review and compare what is available for your home.
Price cap rates last reviewed: October 2026. Rates shown are for Q4 2026 (1 October to 31 December 2026). Source: Ofgem. Next cap announcement expected around 25 November 2026 for January to March 2027.