Energy price cap goes up

Energy bills will rise for many households on April 1 when the new price cap begins. A typical home using gas and electricity will pay £1,849 per year, which is £111 more than before. The cap limits the cost per unit of energy, but your bill depends on how much you use.

Fixed-price energy deals are an option. These plans keep prices steady for a set period, offering certainty. Some experts suggest checking deals before April to find the best rate. Comparison websites can help. However, energy prices may change again in July, so timing is important.

The energy price cap affects about 22 million homes in England, Scotland, and Wales. It sets the highest price suppliers can charge per unit. For April to June 2025, gas will be 6.99p per kilowatt hour (kWh) and electricity 27.03p per kWh. Households that pay bills quarterly by cash or cheque will pay slightly more.

Taking a meter reading when prices change helps ensure accurate billing. Smart meters do this automatically. Households on prepayment meters will see small changes in their costs. Help is available through support funds, discounts, and flexible payment plans for those struggling with bills.