October energy price cap: 10 ways to prepare for winter energy costs

As temperatures start to drop, many households begin thinking about how much they’ll spend on energy during the colder months.

The energy price cap changes every three months and can affect the prices paid by millions of households. While no one can control future energy costs, here are 10 practical ways to get ready for the October energy price cap and stay on top of your energy costs.

1. Submit an up-to-date meter reading

One of the simplest things you can do before a price cap change is submit an up-to-date meter reading. If you have a smart meter, we should be receiving your meter readings automatically.

This helps ensure your bill accurately reflects the energy you’ve when the prices change and avoids an estimate what we think you’ve used.

2. Check your tariff

Many customers don’t know which tariff they’re on.

Taking a few minutes to review your tariff can help you understand:

Understanding your tariff is one of the first steps towards managing your energy costs.

3. Review your Direct Debit

Energy use often increases during autumn and winter.

Checking that your Direct Debit amount reflects your expected consumption can help spread costs more evenly throughout the year and reduce the risk of building up a balance on your account.

4. Track your energy use

Understanding your energy habits can highlight opportunities to reduce waste. If you pay monthly by Direct Debit, My Energy Tracker can help you understand how much energy you’re using and how the cost compares with what we’ve estimated – helping to give you more control and fewer surprises.

Look out for:

Small changes can add up across the winter months. Being aware of when you use energy the most can help you pick the most suitable half-price electricity slots for you. Learn more about half-price electricity with Power Saver.

5. Consider a smart meter

A smart meter automatically sends meter readings to your supplier and can help you monitor your energy use more closely.

Many customers use their smart meter data to better understand where energy is being used around the home and make informed decisions about their energy use.

6. Make the most of off-peak opportunities

Make sure you’ve signed up for Power Saver¹. That way you can choose 8 slots from selected hours throughout the whole week and shift your most energy-intensive activities into your Power Saver slots.

Activities such as using the washing machine, running the dishwasher, charging devices, and batch cooking can often be easily shifted into your chosen Power Saver slots.

7. Get your home winter-ready

Improving energy efficiency doesn’t always require major home improvements.

Simple actions include:

8. Check the efficiency of your appliances

Older appliances often use more energy than newer models.

If you’re considering replacing a household appliance, comparing energy ratings may help reduce running costs over time.

9. Build good energy habits

The habits you create before winter can make a difference throughout the colder months.

Examples include:

10. Use digital tools to stay in control

Managing your energy account onlinecan make it easier to:

Frequently asked questions

Will the October energy price cap affect everyone? The energy price cap applies to standard variable tariffs. The impact will vary depending on how much energy each household uses if they are on a standard variable tariff. If you’re on a fixed tariff you won’t be affected by price caps during the length of your tariff.

Can I avoid higher winter energy bills? While you can’t control the weather or future price cap changes, reducing and understanding your energy use can help you manage costs. A monthly Direct Debit spreads your estimated annual energy costs evenly across 12 monthly payments. Rather than paying more in winter when energy use is typically higher, you pay a consistent amount throughout the year, making budgeting easier.

When should I submit a meter reading before the October price cap? If rates are changing, it’s generally a good idea to provide an accurate meter reading between 30th September and 5th October so your bill reflects your actual energy use.