Britons face highest price cap in three years as energy bills rise 4% from October
The regulator said higher wholesale gas costs and volatile global markets are driving the increase, with analysts warning of another 9% rise in January.
- On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, energy regulator Ofgem announced a 4% rise in the energy price cap, effective October 1, 2026, increasing typical annual household bills by £60 to £1,723.
- Volatile global energy markets and higher wholesale gas prices, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, primarily forced the increase, Ofgem officials confirmed.
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh defended the hike, citing VAT cuts on electricity and a £150 warm home discount to shield families from the three-year high in costs.
- Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty warned the rise pushes energy prices to a three-year high, indicating a "relentless erosion of living standards" as debt levels grow.
- Analysts at Cornwall Insight forecast a further 9% increase in January 2027, potentially pushing the typical annual bill to £1,872, intensifying financial strain as winter heating demand increases.
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75 Articles
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More than 10 million households fear they can't afford energy bills
More than 10 million UK households are worried about being able to afford their energy bills this winter, according to research from Citizens Advice. The charity estimates that 3.5 million households are currently in energy debt, either behind on payments or unable to top up prepayment meters. The research found that only 19% of people in energy debt had been proactively contacted by their supplier with offers of support. The concern comes as Of…
Energy bills to rise to highest level in three years leaving households facing 'brutal winter'
Regulator Ofgem announced a 4% rise to its energy price cap, amounting to a £60 increase for the typical household The post Energy bills to rise to highest level in three years leaving households facing ‘brutal winter’ appeared first on Big Issue.
Ofgem price cap: how much are my bills set to rise?
Rising energy bills have been branded “difficult” by Prime Minister Andy Burnham after Ofgem raised its price cap by 4 per cent to a three-year high and analysts forecast a further 9 per cent hike from January.
Ofgem announces 4% rise to three-year-high energy price cap
The UK’s market regulator has confirmed the price of heat and power will rise again this autumn. It’s bad news for budget-stretched households, as Ofgem announced its forthcoming energy price cap this morning. From October, the regulator has confirmed the average cost of keeping radiators and lights on at home will hit £1,723 per year. Almost £150 per month, the move represents a 4% rise compared with the current rate, adding around £60 to each…
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