The energy regulator Ofgem have announced that the price cap will go up by 10% in October, leading to an increase in bills this winter.

From 1st October to 31st December the price cap for energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas, and pay by Direct Debit, will pay £1717 per year. This is an increase of 10% and will add around £12 per month to the average bill.

The new cap is cheaper compared to the same period last year (£1834). The cap limits the cost per unit of gas and electricity, not the total bill. Although it offers some protection, rising wholesale costs will also affect your bills.

At the same time, around 10 million pensioners will no longer get winter fuel payments to help them with their bills. This is because the payments will now only go to those who get pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

You are covered by the energy price cap if you pay for your electricity and gas by either:

• standard credit (payment made when you get your electricity and gas bill)
• Direct Debit
• Prepayment meter
• Economy 7 (E7) meter

The actual amount you pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live, and the type of meter you have.

The next energy price cap review will be published on 25th November 2024, to take effect in January 2025.

You can see full details, information and support on the Ofgem website and view a range of other support on our energy and bills page.