Millions of UK households have just 29 days to avoid a £221 surge in annual energy costs, as experts warn that the latest price cap rise takes effect from July 1. Energy comparison platform Uswitch warns that households on standard variable tariffs face an average annual increase of £221 when regulator Ofgem implements a 13% hike to the energy price cap next month. The rise means a typical household's yearly energy bill will climb from approximately £1,641 to £1,862, while larger families could see costs soar by as much as £329 annually.
The alert comes as households continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis. Research indicates two-thirds of consumers say a 10% rise in energy expenses would impact their financial situation, with some forced to draw on savings or reduce spending on essentials such as food and transport.
However, switching specialists say many households can still sidestep the increase. According to Uswitch, there are 23 fixed-rate energy tariffs on offer that undercut the new July price cap, with the most competitive deal providing savings of up to £255 annually compared with staying on a standard tariff. The most affordable tariff highlighted by the comparison site comes from Outfox Energy, with an estimated yearly bill of £1,594 for a typical dual-fuel customer. Additional competitive offers are available from Fuse Energy, E.ON Next and British Gas.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, said: 'For the millions of households on standard tariffs, this is your 30-day warning that your energy rates are rising on 1 July - unless you act now. The price cap is going up, but your bills don't have to. There are 23 fixed deals available that are cheaper than the price cap, with savings on offer of up to £255. These deals might not be around for long, so take a few minutes to check online to see what deals are available to you.'
Consumers whose fixed energy contract has lapsed are frequently transferred automatically to their provider's standard variable rate, where costs fluctuate alongside the Ofgem ceiling. Anyone who hasn't changed supplier or package for over 12 months is probably on one of these default arrangements. Typical standard tariff titles include Flexible Octopus from Octopus Energy, Next Flex from E.ON Next and Simpler Energy from OVO Energy. People can verify their tariff name on their most recent energy statement or through their online portal.
