How will your bills, prices and payments be affected by the price change on 1 July 2026? Find out more below.

Q: Will my bill automatically change when the price cap changes?
A: Yes. From 1 July 2026, you can expect to be billed based on the updated unit rates.

Q: Will my Direct Debit change?
A: Your Direct Debit may change, although this won’t usually be immediate. We review your payments periodically to make sure you’re paying the right amount, accounting for the balance on your account. If we need to make a change to your payments, we will inform you at least 10 working days in advance.

Q: Why might my Direct Debit change even if I use less energy in summer?
A: Your Direct Debit is usually set based on your estimated annual cost split over 12 months. This means you’re expected to build credit in the summer period to cover your higher usage in the winter.

Q: How can I reduce my energy bill?
A: There are a number of ways to reduce your energy bill. You can log in to your online portal here and check if we have any cheaper deals available under the ‘Your tariffs’ section. You can also check the first page of your bill where we’ll tell you if you could save money. Remember, it may be worth switching your tariff or supplier.
There are also a number of energy efficiency measures you could use to reduce your consumption. You can find out more in this useful article on our help page.

Q: What should I do if I think my supplier is charging more than the cap?
A: If you’re concerned that you’re being charged more than the price cap, it’s worth referring to Ofgem’s website to compare the unit rates you’re being charged against the official capped rates. They include a breakdown of unit rate and standing charge by fuel, payment type and region. You can find more information by clicking here. 
If your rates still look too high, it’s worth contacting your supplier to check you’re being charged the correct rates.

Q: Can I change from Payment on Bill to Direct Debit?
A: Usually, yes! You can contact us via instant live chat and we’ll be happy to help you save by setting up a Direct Debit. You can contact us via one of the methods listed here.

Q: Why is Direct Debit usually cheaper than Payment on Bill?
A: Managing Direct Debits costs suppliers less than customers paying upon receipt of their bills. Therefore, if a customer pays by Direct Debit, the savings are passed on to them.

Q: What is a standing charge?
A: A standing charge is a fixed daily fee added to your energy bill, regardless of how much energy you use. It’s like a subscription fee for being connected to the grid, and it covers factors such as network maintenance costs, supplier operating costs and government policy costs.

Q: Why do standing charges vary by region?
A: Because Great Britain is divided into different supply regions, your location determines which Distribution Network Operator (DNO) provides your energy. Each DNO sets its charges based on the costs they incur to supply the region, which can depend on the network maintenance needed, how many people live in the area, and how much energy is used there.

Q: Will my account credit or debit balance be affected by the price change?
A: No – your energy account balance will not be affected directly. However, your bills may be higher due to the price change, causing any credit balance to reduce or debit balance to increase more quickly. We aim to review your direct debit regularly to make sure you’re paying the right amount, but you can feel free to reach out if you’d like to make any changes to your payment amount between reviews.

Q: What if I do not agree with the estimated usage shown on my account?
A: The best way to avoid estimated meter readings is to provide us with your readings regularly. If you have a standard meter, we’ll email you when it’s time to submit a meter reading. You can also request a free smart meter installation if you don’t already have one – simply contact our trusted metering partner SMS on 0330 135 9982.
If you have a smart meter and have noticed estimated billing, get in touch with our team who will be able to provide further support.

Q: How can I check if I am on a capped tariff?
A: Usually your energy bill or account will tell you your tariff type. If you see Standard or Variable, you may be on a price capped tariff. 
If you’re not sure, reach out and your supplier can confirm this for you.

Q: What is a standard variable tariff?
A: A standard variable tariff is an energy supplier’s default plan (which usually does not have an end date). The unit rate and standing charge can change with reasonable advance notice, and are protected by the Ofgem Price Cap.

Q: What is the annual cost shown in my communication?
A: The annual cost is calculated using your industry Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) of electricity and/or Annual Quantity (AQ) of gas. These figures are based on historic usage at your property and are used to project your costs. Bear in mind, this cost is still an estimation, and you may still use more or less energy than projected.

Q: Why is my bill different from Ofgem's typical bill?
A: Ofgem’s typical bill value is based on an average usage figure, known as a Typical Domestic Consumption Value (TDCV), for a medium-consumption property. Your bill will be based on your own consumption, which may be higher or lower than average.

Q: Do I need to submit a meter reading before 1 July 2026?
A: Unless you have a working smart meter, we would suggest that you submit a meter reading in time for the price change, between 30 June and 3 July 2026, to make sure we apply the right price for the right usage period in your bill.

Q: Can my supplier change my tariff without telling me?
A: Generally, if your supplier is increasing your prices or making a change that is not beneficial to you, they must give you reasonable notice before the change takes effect. If prices are reducing, or the change is beneficial to you, advance notice may not be required, although many suppliers will still notify you of the change.

Q: How can I stay informed about price cap changes?
A: Ofgem announces their new price cap around a month before they come into effect, and you may also hear about any changes in the media. Suppliers will usually communicate with their customers to keep them updated about any pending changes to their prices, so it’s usually best to wait for your supplier’s confirmation about how the new price cap affects your tariff.