Households across Great Britain on capped variable energy tariffs will face higher prices from tomorrow, as Ofgem’s October energy price cap comes into effect.
The regulator has confirmed a new annualised figure of £1,723 for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit, compared with £1,663 under the previous cap. That represents a £60 increase, or approximately 4% when rounded.
The change applies from 1 October to 31 December 2026. For property owners and tenants preparing for winter, it brings renewed attention to heating costs, tariff details and the energy performance of their homes.
What Is Changing on 1 October?
Ofgem’s official October price cap announcement confirms the increase for households covered by the cap.
The regulator attributes the rise mainly to higher wholesale gas costs. It says around 22 million households are protected by the cap, while households on fixed tariffs will not automatically be affected by this particular change.
The headline figures are:
| Detail | October update |
|---|---|
| Effective period | 1 October–31 December 2026 |
| Typical annualised dual-fuel figure | £1,723 |
| Previous typical annualised figure | £1,663 |
| Increase | £60, approximately 4% |
| Headline payment method | Direct debit |
| Coverage | Great Britain |
The annualised figure is a comparison measure. It does not mean a household will pay £1,723 during the three-month period.
The Price Cap Does Not Limit Your Total Bill
The cap limits the rates suppliers can charge for each unit of energy and the standing charges on covered tariffs. It does not set a maximum total household bill.
A home using more energy can therefore pay more than the headline amount. A household using less may pay less.
Why Individual Bills Differ
Actual costs depend on consumption, payment method, location and tariff. Property size, heating arrangements and how the household uses the home also matter.
When reviewing an account, compare the unit rates and standing charges rather than relying only on the supplier’s estimated monthly payment. Keep any account balance separate from the question of how much energy the household is using.
What Homeowners Can Check Before Winter
The October change offers a useful point to review both the energy account and the property itself.
Start by confirming whether the household is on a variable or fixed tariff. Then check recent usage and whether bills are based on actual readings or estimates.
For the building, identify the rooms that are hardest to keep comfortable. Record draughts, heating-control problems or other concerns before deciding which work to prioritise.
Use the EPC as a Starting Point
An Energy Performance Certificate can help owners understand the property’s current rating and recommended improvements.
PAD’s guide to EPC ratings and what they mean for UK homes explains how to read the certificate alongside the building’s condition.
The recommendations provide a starting point for planning. They should be considered against the household’s budget, the construction of the property and the practical scope of any proposed work.
What the Update Means for Landlords
For landlords, the immediate task is to establish which energy accounts they pay directly and which are held by tenants.
Where bills are included in an arrangement, review the relevant account and agreement before making budget decisions. Where tenants manage their own supply, property maintenance and clear information about heating controls remain useful areas of attention.
A winter maintenance review can also separate repairs needing prompt attention from improvements that require quotations or a longer programme.
PAD’s landlord guide to making a property energy-efficient outlines areas to consider when planning upgrades.
Renovation Plans Should Include Thermal Performance
Owners already arranging refurbishment can use the planning stage to consider the building’s thermal performance.
For example, an internal-wall project may offer an opportunity to investigate insulation before finishes are installed. Suitability depends on the existing wall construction, available space and the proposed specification.
Our guide to using insulated plasterboard during renovation projects explains why performance requirements should guide the choice of materials.
Before commissioning work, ask for a clear scope and an explanation of how the proposed solution suits the property. Avoid assuming that the same upgrade will produce identical results in every home.
Does the October Increase Apply Across the UK?
The Ofgem price cap covers England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate energy market and regulatory arrangements.
The October announcement concerns capped tariffs. It should not be read as an automatic increase for every household or every type of energy contract.
For readers preparing for the change, the most useful next steps are to confirm the tariff, review the supplier’s updated charges and assess the home’s maintenance priorities before winter.
Information checked on 30 September 2026. The £1,723 figure is annualised and based on typical consumption; individual bills will vary.
