Energy price cap
The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy if you're on a standard variable tariff.
From 1 October 2023 the energy price cap is set at £1,923 a year for a typical household who use gas and electricity and pay by Direct Debit.
The level of the energy price cap is based on typical household energy use and reflects recent falls in wholesale energy prices. Read about typical household energy use and how the price cap is calculated on our Average gas and electricity usage page.
Energy price cap for typical domestic consumption between July to December 2023
The amount you pay will depend on actual household usage and where you live as well as meter and payment type. The figures above are based on the England, Scotland and Wales average for people who pay by Direct Debit and are on a standard variable tariff, also known as a default tariff.
Price for customers on a standard variable tariff (default tariff)
Figures are rounded to the nearest penny and based on the England, Scotland and Wales average for people who pay by Direct Debit. These include VAT. Actual rates will depend on where you live, how you pay your bill and the type of meter you have.
About the energy price cap
The price cap ensures that prices for people on default energy tariffs are fair and that they reflect the cost of energy. We update the level every three months to reflect changes in underlying costs as well as inflation.
The price cap does not limit your total bill, which depends on how much energy you use. The way you pay for your energy, where you live, your meter type and your consumption will affect your energy bill.
Ofgem monitors suppliers to make sure their default tariff rates do not go above the limit set by the energy price cap.
Eligibility
The cap is applied to customers on a default energy tariff including those who pay by direct debit, standard credit, prepayment meter, or who have an Economy 7 (E7) meter.
Support
If you’re worried about being able to pay your energy bill, contact your supplier as soon as possible. We work closely with energy companies to make sure they support you in any way they can.
For information on support including schemes, grants and benefits, see our page Get help if you cannot afford your energy bills.