Ofgem energy price cap hike takes effect today, pushing typical household bills to £1,999 a year

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026.

Household energy bills are climbing from today as Ofgem's latest price cap increase takes effect, adding roughly £60 to the average annual cost. A typical household will now pay £1,999 a year for gas and electricity — the steepest rise in four years. The October adjustment arrives while millions of families are already under pressure from the cost of living.

The £60 annual increase is expected to go higher still, with January bills for a typical home forecast to reach £1,999.

The rise takes effect from today, 1 October, affecting direct debit and quarterly payers across England, Wales and Scotland.