Truth, Without Favour  ·  Est. 2025
National Herald
Economy

Energy Bills UK 2026: Price Cap Explained and How to Pay Less

The energy price cap sets maximum unit rates for gas and electricity. Here is what it means for your bills.

Herald Summary
The energy price cap sets maximum unit rates for gas and electricity. Here is what it means for your bills.
Energy Bills UK 2026: Price Cap Explained and How to Pay Less
Image: Economy — National Herald

The energy price cap has been reset for the April-June 2026 quarter. National Herald explains what it means for your household.

What the Price Cap Covers

The cap limits the unit rate and standing charge suppliers can charge. Higher consumption still results in higher bills.

Current Rates

Electricity: 24p per kWh plus 61p daily standing charge. Gas: 6.4p per kWh plus 31p daily standing charge.

For a typical household this equates to approximately 1,738 pounds per year.

How to Pay Less

Switch to a fixed tariff: Some fixed tariffs are now cheaper than the cap.

Smart meter: Enables time-of-use tariffs that reward shifting usage to off-peak times.

Insulation: Reducing heat loss cuts gas bills regardless of the tariff.

Fuel Poverty Support

An estimated 3.2 million UK households remain in fuel poverty. The Warm Home Discount provides 150 pounds off bills for qualifying households.

A
Alexandra Wood, Energy Editor
National Herald · Economy