Ofgem confirms the April 2026 energy price cap figure
Ofgem announced the new energy price cap for the April to June 2026 period on 25 February 2026. The cap is the maximum amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy for customers on standard variable tariffs. For a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit, the cap has been set at £1,823 per year (Ofgem, 2026). This represents an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous cap of £1,714 for January to March 2026.
Yes, energy bills are going up in April 2026. Ofgem's new price cap adds £109 to the typical annual bill, bringing it to £1,823. The increase is 6.4% due to higher wholesale costs. Check if a fixed tariff could save you money.
- Ofgem's April 2026 price cap is £1,823 per year for typical dual-fuel households.
- Electricity unit rate rises to 25.89p per kWh, gas to 6.39p per kWh.
- Typical annual bill increases by £109 (6.4%) compared to January–March 2026.
- Price cap only limits unit rates and standing charges, not your total bill.
- Use more energy than typical household? Your bill will be higher than £1,823.
- Ofgem confirms the April 2026 energy price cap figure
- What the new price cap means for your annual bill
- How the unit rates for electricity and gas change in April
- Quick numbers April 2026 energy cost summary
- The direct answer to "are energy bills going up in April 2026"
- What the standing charge change adds to your fixed costs
- How to check if your current tariff is better than the cap
- How to verify your supplier's new rates and change supplier
What the new price cap means for your annual bill
Translating the quarterly cap into an annual figure, a median-use household can expect to pay around £1,823 over the next 12 months if on a standard variable tariff. However, the cap does not limit your total bill. Instead, it limits the unit rate (pence per kilowatt-hour) and the daily standing charge (Ofgem, 2026). If you use more energy than the typical household, your bill will be higher. If you use less, your bill will be lower.
How the unit rates for electricity and gas change in April
From 1 April 2026, the electricity unit rate under the price cap will rise to 25.89p per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from 24.86p in the previous quarter. The gas unit rate will increase to 6.39p per kWh, compared to 6.04p previously (Ofgem, 2026). These rates apply to direct debit customers on standard variable tariffs. The increases reflect higher wholesale energy costs and network charges.
Quick numbers April 2026 energy cost summary
| Cost item | Current cap (Jan–Mar 2026) | New cap (Apr–Jun 2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate (p/kWh) | 24.86p | 25.89p | +1.03p (4.1%) |
| Gas unit rate (p/kWh) | 6.04p | 6.39p | +0.35p (5.8%) |
| Standing charge (p/day) | 52.84p | 54.32p | +1.48p (2.8%) |
| Typical annual bill (£) | £1,714 | £1,823 | +£109 (6.4%) |
All figures are for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit (Ofgem, 2026).
The direct answer to “are energy bills going up in April 2026”
Yes, energy bills are going up in April 2026. The typical household on a standard variable tariff paying by direct debit will see an annual increase of £109, or 6.4%, compared to the previous quarter (Ofgem, 2026). For prepayment meter customers, the new cap is set at £1,861 per year, a similar percentage increase. The new rates take effect from 1 April 2026.
What the standing charge change adds to your fixed costs
From April 2026, the daily standing charge for electricity will rise to 54.32p per day, up from 52.84p. The gas standing charge remains separate but is included in the overall cap calculation. This charge covers fixed costs such as network maintenance, meter reading, and supplier administration (Ofgem, 2026). It is a fixed cost that you pay regardless of how much energy you use. Over a year, the standing charge alone will add roughly £198 to your electricity bill.
How to check if your current tariff is better than the cap
To see if you are paying more than the new cap, compare your current unit rates and standing charge to the figures above. You can find these details on your latest bill or online account. Fixed-rate tariffs may still be available, but they are often priced above the cap and may include exit fees (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). The cap applies automatically to standard variable tariffs, so you do not need to switch to benefit from it. However, if you are on a fixed deal that ends soon, check the renewal terms carefully.
How to verify your supplier’s new rates and change supplier
Suppliers must notify you of any price change at least 30 days in advance, so you should receive a letter or email from your supplier before 1 April 2026 (Ofgem, 2026). To compare offers, use a price comparison site accredited under Ofgem’s Confidence Code. Citizens Advice also provides a free energy comparison tool (Citizens Advice, 2026). Switching supplier can take up to five working days, and you will not face a penalty if you are on a standard variable tariff. How to compare energy tariffs Understanding your energy bill
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, energy bills are going up in April 2026. Ofgem's new price cap for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit is £1,823 per year, an increase of £109 (6.4%) from the previous cap of £1,714 (Ofgem, 2026).
For a typical dual-fuel household on a standard variable tariff, the annual increase is £109 (6.4%). The electricity unit rate rises by 1.03p per kWh (4.1%) and the gas unit rate by 0.35p per kWh (5.8%) (Ofgem, 2026).
The energy price cap for April to June 2026 is £1,823 per year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit (Ofgem, 2026). This covers unit rates and standing charges, not your total bill.
Yes, the daily standing charge is going up in April 2026. It rises from 52.84p to 54.32p per day, an increase of 1.48p (2.8%) (Ofgem, 2026).
Fixing your tariff may protect you from the April 2026 price cap rise, but compare rates carefully. The Energy Saving Trust advises checking if a fix is cheaper than the new cap before committing.
