The energy price cap will rise by 4% from October 1, pushing the typical annual dual-fuel bill for a household paying by Direct Debit from £1,663 to £1,723. With the new cap coming into force tomorrow (Thursday, October 1), energy experts are urging households to submit a meter reading today (September 30), as it is the final opportunity.
Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will increase from October 1 to December 31, 2026. The cap restricts the maximum unit rates and standing charges that suppliers can impose on customers on default tariffs, but it does not place a limit on the total amount households can be billed.
Why the cap is rising
The rise comes amid persistently high wholesale gas prices, with Ofgem pointing to ongoing volatility in global gas markets as the primary cause of the increase.
Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Go.Compare, said: "When the price cap changes, it's a good idea to take a meter reading as close as possible to the new rates coming into effect, and send this to your energy supplier."
He added: "This gives your provider a clear record of what you used before the new prices started, which helps make sure any energy you use before October 1 is charged at the current rate, before the higher cap is applied. If you have a smart meter, your readings should automatically be sent to your supplier, but it's still worth checking that your account is up to date."
Martin Lewis's meter reading advice
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, has previously urged households to take a timestamped photograph of their energy meters each time Ofgem rolls out a new price cap. He explains that doing so essentially "draws a line in the sand," providing irrefutable, dated proof of your precise energy usage before any price changes kick in.
On the MSE website, his team advises: "The easiest way is to take a picture of your meters, so you have the readings to hand. Then you can log in to your online account and enter the readings."
Martin Lewis himself previously said: "I would still get your phone out and take a picture of your meter today just in case of a future dispute, you don't need to do anything with it, you might want to email it to yourself so you've got proof."
Given that energy supplier websites frequently crash on meter reading days owing to the sheer volume of traffic, Lewis has also stressed that there's no need to panic or rush to submit your reading straight away. Instead, taking a swift snap allows you to store the evidence securely, email yourself a backup copy, and submit the figures online a few days later once the chaos has died down.
Consumer group Which? has also put out a new alert, urging people to take their meter readings before October 1. It said: "Take 5 minutes to do this tonight! If you don't have a smart meter, take and submit an energy meter reading as soon you can. This will ensure that you pay the lower rates for units used before the 1 October price rise."
How to take a meter reading
Write down the first five numbers shown on the screen from left to right. If it is a multi-rate or Economy 7 meter (showing day and night rates), press the display button to cycle through and record both readings separately.
Smart meters send readings automatically, but if you need a manual check, wake the screen by pressing the 'A' or 'B' button. For electricity, look for code IMP or Rate 01 Act Imp. For gas, look for Meter Index or press the button to display the current volume.
Read the five dials from left to right (ignoring any red/fractional dials). If a pointer sits between two numbers, record the lower number. Keep in mind that adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions. Record the first five numbers (metric, showing m³) or first four numbers (imperial, older style) from left to right.
What the cap change means for you
Gareth Kloet added: "The price cap is reviewed quarterly by Ofgem and limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on standard variable or default tariffs. It's important to remember that it isn't a cap on your total bill - what you pay will still depend on how much energy you use, where you live and how you pay."
"Customers on fixed tariffs will not be affected by the October price cap rise unless their deal is due to end and they move onto a default tariff. If that applies to you, it can be a good idea to switch to another tariff straightaway. Check when your current deal finishes, look at any exit fees, compare the unit rates and standing charges on any new tariff, and make sure you're comfortable with the terms before switching."
Kloet warns that future price caps could rise or fall depending on movements in the wholesale energy market, so households shouldn't assume bills will only head in one direction. With the cap reassessed every three months, those on default tariffs could find themselves facing further changes at the next review.
He advises that monitoring your energy usage, reviewing whether your existing tariff remains suitable, and submitting meter readings regularly can all help you keep on top of costs should prices shift once more. He also urged anyone struggling to meet their bills to get in touch with their supplier at the earliest opportunity, as assistance or a tailored payment plan may well be available.
There are also minor everyday adjustments that can help families cut down on their energy consumption, including only boiling the amount of water required, cooking in batches where possible, making your own draught excluders, and turning appliances off standby mode.
