Millions of households across the UK must submit their energy meter readings by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as the Ofgem energy price cap is set to rise by 13%. This crucial step helps ensure you're not overcharged for energy used before the new, higher rates come into effect.
For a typical household, this increase means an average annual gas and electricity bill will jump by £221, rising from £1,641 to £1,862 per year. This marks one of the largest increases since the price cap system was introduced five years ago, piling further pressure on already stretched household budgets.
What's Changing and By How Much?
The 13% increase in the price cap directly impacts the unit rates you pay for your energy. From July 1, 2026:
- Electricity unit charges will increase from 24.67p per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 26.11p per kWh.
- Gas unit charges will rise from 5.74p per kWh to 7.33p per kWh.
These changes reflect a spike in global energy market prices, partly attributed to ongoing international events.
Who is Affected?
This price cap rise primarily affects an estimated 5.3 million households who are on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) and do not have a working smart meter. If you're on a fixed-rate tariff, you are generally not impacted by this specific price cap change until your fixed term ends.
Why Submit a Meter Reading?
Submitting an accurate meter reading before July 1st creates a clear cut-off point for your energy usage. Without it, your energy supplier might rely on estimated readings. This could mean that some of the energy you consumed in June, which should be billed at the cheaper, pre-July rates, could instead be charged at the new, higher rates from July 1st. It's a simple step that could save you pounds.
Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, has previously acknowledged the challenge: "We know that no price rise is ever welcome, and that the cost of energy remains a huge challenge for many households." He added that "our reliance on international gas markets leads to volatile wholesale prices, and continues to drive up bills, which is why it's more important than ever that we're driving forward investment in a cleaner, homegrown system."
Step-by-Step: What to do right now
- Locate your meter: Find your gas and electricity meters.
- Take a reading: Note down the numbers displayed on your meter. For older meters, this is usually the black numbers from left to right, ignoring any red numbers or numbers after a decimal point.
- Submit to your supplier: Log into your online energy account or use your supplier's app. Most have a dedicated section for submitting meter readings. If you can't do it online, call their automated line or customer service.
- Do it by Wednesday: Aim to submit your reading on June 30th or very early on July 1st to ensure accuracy.
Scenario: If you don't submit a meter reading...
If you don't provide an up-to-date reading, your supplier will estimate your usage for the period around the price change. This estimate might assume you used more energy at the higher July rates than you actually did, leading to a higher bill for your June consumption.
When is this Effective?
The new price cap rates come into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Ofgem now updates the energy price cap quarterly, with changes taking effect on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 each year, reflecting the volatility of wholesale energy costs.
But there are risks
While the price cap limits the unit rates for gas and electricity, it does not cap your total energy bill. Your final bill will still depend entirely on how much energy you use. Even with the cap in place, average household energy bills are now more than £720 a year above pre-energy crisis levels, which stood at £1,138 in April 2021.
What this means for you
This latest price cap increase will directly reduce your disposable income, making it harder to cover other essential household costs and putting additional strain on your weekly budget for things like shopping or leisure activities.
Where to Get Help
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, it's important to contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. They can discuss payment plans, grants, or other support available. Organisations like Citizens Advice and National Energy Action also offer free, impartial advice and support.
Sources
- Ofgem — Energy price cap announcements and statements
- The Guardian — Reporting on energy price cap changes and consumer impact