Q: What is a Typical Domestic Consumption Value (TDCV)?
A: A TDCV is a standard baseline set by the energy regulator (Ofgem) for the average annual gas and electricity usage of a typical UK household.

Q: Why has Ofgem changed the TDCV values?
A: Ofgem has changed the TDCV values because homes are using significantly less energy than before, caused by many factors, including improvements to energy efficiency.

Q: What are the new TDCV values from 1 July 2026?
A: The new TDCV values for a medium property are 2,500 kWh (single-rate) or 3,400 kWh (multi-rate including Economy 7) of electricity, and 9,500 kWh of gas.

Q: When do the new TDCV values take effect?
A: Ofgem has confirmed the new TDCV values will be effective from 1 July 2026 onwards.

Q: Does the TDCV change mean my bill will reduce, or that I will use less energy?
A: No – the TDCV is simply a calculation of average usage. Your usage and the amount you’re charged are not affected by this change.
If you’d like to look into ways to reduce your usage, there are a number of energy efficiency measures that can be put in place. You can find out more in this useful article on our help page. 

Q: Why might the headline price cap look lower even when prices are rising?
A: Because the price cap headline is based on the TDCV, it may appear that the prices are only increasing by a small amount per year. However, the reduction in the cap is based on the reduced average usage figures, whereas the cost of energy is increasing.

Q: Is the July 2026 cap £1,663 or £1,862?
A: It depends how you look at it. If you compare it directly to the previous price cap, using the same TDCV, it would be £1,862. 
If you calculate it using the new TDCV, it comes out at £1,663.

Q: Why is the change important for consumers?
A: It’s important for energy consumers because it’s used to represent the price cap average bill total. Explaining the difference should help consumers to be more aware of the true impact of the upcoming price change.

Q: Will my personal price change notification use my actual usage?
A: The projected cost in your price change notification 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: I use a different amount of energy than the new TDCV. What does this mean for me?
A: Nothing changes in terms of your own usage, and you can expect to continue to be billed based on your own meter readings, or those from your smart meter. We will provide you with an estimated annual cost in your monthly bill and in your price change notification to help you understand your own consumption better.

Q: Will the new TDCV values affect comparison sites?
A: Yes – to ensure the estimated consumption figures on comparison sites is reflective of the most current data, the figures will be updated. However, whenever comparing energy tariffs, we always advise to use the annual usage figures from your bills, or a calculation of your actual usage in the last year, for the most accurate comparison.

Q: Where can I find my actual annual usage?
A: Your actual annual usage can be calculated by using your meter readings – if you take the most recent reading, and one from around a year ago, you can find out your actual annual usage.
You can also find your industry Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) of electricity and/or Annual Quantity (AQ) of gas in your monthly bills. This may not exactly match your usage for the last year, but it is based on a longer period of usage to help gather a fuller picture of your usage.

Q: Will the TDCV change affect my standing charge?
A: Not directly. As your standing charge is the same regardless of the amount of energy you use, you will still pay the appropriate standing charge in line with your tariff.

Q: Does the TDCV change affect prepayment, Direct Debit and Payment on Bill customers differently?
A: Not directly – the TDCV value is not different between payment methods. However, it does lead to a change in the headline bill total for all three payment methods.