Don't Wait for Winter: How to Beat the Rising Energy Price Cap Right Now
Source: Which? Money, written by Sarah Ingrams, Principal Researcher and Writer. Published 28 May 2026. Read the full article at which.co.uk
The sun may be shining, but energy bills are about to get a whole lot heavier. With a significant rise in the energy price cap confirmed by regulator Ofgem, now is exactly the right time to review your tariff rather than waiting until the colder months force your hand.
According to Which? Money's energy expert Sarah Ingrams, the price cap on standard variable tariffs will increase by around £18 per month for a typical household from 1 July 2026. That headline figure of 13% overall conceals a more worrying reality: while electricity rates are set to rise by around 5%, gas rates are forecast to climb by as much as 24%. For the majority of households still relying on a gas boiler, that means autumn and winter bills could be considerably more painful than expected. Industry analysts Cornwall Insight predict a further 2% rise in October, compounding the pressure just as energy demand peaks.
The sun may be shining, but energy bills are about to get a whole lot heavier. With a significant rise in the energy price cap confirmed by regulator Ofgem, now is exactly the right time to review your tariff rather than waiting until the colder months force your hand.
According to Which? Money's energy expert Sarah Ingrams, the price cap on standard variable tariffs will increase by around £18 per month for a typical household from 1 July 2026. That headline figure of 13% overall conceals a more worrying reality: while electricity rates are set to rise by around 5%, gas rates are forecast to climb by as much as 24%. For the majority of households still relying on a gas boiler, that means autumn and winter bills could be considerably more painful than expected. Industry analysts Cornwall Insight predict a further 2% rise in October, compounding the pressure just as energy demand peaks.
More than half of households across Great Britain are currently on price-capped rates, often without realising it. If you have not signed up to a fixed deal with a set end date, or if a previous fixed tariff has expired, you are almost certainly paying standard variable rates, sometimes labelled as default, out-of-contract or flexible tariffs. Checking this first is the most important step you can take right now.
Which? Money sets out four practical actions to help households take control before prices rise further.
The first is to fix your energy tariff. Moving to a fixed deal locks in your rate and shields you from the July increase and any further rises through the winter. According to Which?, the most competitive fixed tariff available in late May 2026 could save a typical household around £18 per month compared with the incoming price cap.
Which? Money sets out four practical actions to help households take control before prices rise further.
The first is to fix your energy tariff. Moving to a fixed deal locks in your rate and shields you from the July increase and any further rises through the winter. According to Which?, the most competitive fixed tariff available in late May 2026 could save a typical household around £18 per month compared with the incoming price cap.
The second is to submit regular meter readings. Providing accurate readings to your supplier ensures your bills reflect what you actually use rather than an estimated figure, which can lead to costly corrections later.
The third is to consider your payment method. Paying by direct debit remains the most cost-effective option for most households, and some suppliers offer further discounts for customers who manage their accounts online.
The fourth is to check whether you are eligible for any available government support schemes, particularly if you are a lower-income household or if someone in your home has additional heating needs.
The third is to consider your payment method. Paying by direct debit remains the most cost-effective option for most households, and some suppliers offer further discounts for customers who manage their accounts online.
The fourth is to check whether you are eligible for any available government support schemes, particularly if you are a lower-income household or if someone in your home has additional heating needs.
The broader message is clear: acting now, while fixed deals are still competitive and the market is relatively calm, puts you in a far stronger position for the months ahead.
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As a World Privilege Plus member, you can access everything Which? has to offer at half the price. Join from just £44.50 a year, saving 50% on the standard annual subscription of £79 or more. Enjoy full access to expert product reviews you can trust, consumer rights guidance, and trusted recommendations across every area of your life. Available as a digital subscription or combined digital and magazine package, this is the perfect time to try Which? at an unbeatable member price.
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