On 21st November 2025, Ofgem announced its next quarterly update to the energy price cap. For the period 1st January to 31st March 2026, the energy price cap will go up by 0.2% to £1,758 for a typical dual fuel household¹ paying by Direct Debit; an increase of around £3² over the course of the year.

How does the energy price cap work?

The energy price cap sets a limit on the amount that energy suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs for gas and electricity.

While your energy bill can still go up or down depending on how much gas and electricity you use, the price per unit and standing charge will never be above the cap. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, the price cap applies regardless of how you pay.

Why does the price cap change?

Ofgem, the energy regulator, is responsible for setting the price cap and once set, suppliers cannot charge more than the relevant cap per unit of gas and electricity. Ofgem base its calculations on the costs that energy suppliers face such as wholesale energy costs, the costs of building and maintaining the energy network, operating costs and environmental policy costs.

How often does it change?

The price cap is set every three months with any changes taking effect on the 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October each year.

What is a kWh?

Energy suppliers measure your energy use in kilowatt hours (kWh), and the regulator, Ofgem, sets the price per kWh when they change the energy price cap. You can find more information about the price of energy per kWh on the Ofgem price cap webpage.

Standard variable tariffs or prepayment meters

If you're on one of our standard variable or default tariffs or are a Pay As You Go customer with a prepayment meter, then the energy price cap will automatically apply. If your prices need to increase as a result, there’s no need to contact us. We’ll write to you by letter or email to let you know what your new prices will be before the change takes place.

Fixed price tariffs

If you're on one of our fixed price tariffs, changes to the price cap do not apply for the duration of the tariff. Check a recent bill or your online energy account to find your tariff details.

Business customers

The price cap only applies to domestic customers.

Will the energy price cap affect my Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff?

The price you are paid per unit for the electricity you generate and export back to the grid can go and up and down, but changes to the energy price cap don’t affect your export rates.

Will the energy price cap affect my EV charging rates?

If you’re on our EV Saver tariff, your energy prices are fixed for the duration of your tariff, including your charging rate between midnight and 5am.

If you’ve added EV Optimise to your tariff, your EV Optimise charging rates are not directly affected when the energy price cap changes and the difference between your normal tariff rate and the smart charge rate of 9p per kWh will appear as credit on your bill as usual.

Get in touch

If you need more support, we’re here to help. Please read more about the help and support available to you.

Our phone lines are very busy so if you have a question, please get in touch through webchat (Monday to Sunday, 7am to 11pm) – it’s one of the fastest ways to contact us.

If you require support with hearing or speech, we can offer a three-way call using British Sign Language through CONVO. Before you call us, you’ll need to complete CONVO’s sign-up form. Once you’ve done that, you can call us using their app or website by choosing ScottishPower Customer Business from their list of organisations.

Relay UK also helps deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing people talk to each other over the phone using the relay service. You can use the Relay UK app in your mobile, tablet, or PC, or you can use it with your Minicom or Uniphone. You can find more information on how to use Relay UK at their website.

If English isn’t your first language, we can provide translation services through Language Line to help you discuss your energy account. You can send a request to Language Line at their website so we can hold a three-way call with you and a professional interpreter to discuss any queries you may have about your energy account.

If you’d prefer not to speak to us over the phone, you can start a chat with us online every day from 7am to 11pm or contact us on Facebook Messenger or Instagram.