Energy bills went up again in October, and winter is when most of us use the most energy. But there are plenty of ways to cut your energy bills this winter, from quick changes that cost nothing to help you may not know you can get. Here's what's happening with prices and what you can do about it.
What is the energy price cap now?
The energy price cap limits how much suppliers can charge for each unit of energy on a standard variable tariff. It isn't a cap on your total bill. If you use more, you pay more.
From 1 October to 31 December 2026, the cap is £1,723 a year for a typical home using gas and electricity and paying by Direct Debit. That's £60 a year (about £5 a month) more than before. Most of the rise is down to higher gas prices because of the conflict in the Middle East (Ofgem, 2026).
There's some good news too. The government has removed VAT from electricity bills, so electricity bills are broadly stable. Without that, bills would have been around £45 higher (Ofgem, 2026). Ofgem will announce the next price cap, for January to March 2027, later in November.
Quick ways to cut your energy bills (for free)
- Turn your thermostat down by one degree. Most people won't notice the difference, but your bill will.
- Use timers. Only heat your home when you're in. Your boiler or smart thermostat can do this for you.
- Close curtains at dusk to keep heat in, and keep furniture away from radiators.
- Turn appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby.
- Wash clothes at 30°C and only run the washing machine and dishwasher when they're full.
- Only boil the water you need in the kettle.
- Use the cheapest times if you have a smart meter and a time-of-use tariff. Many suppliers offer cheaper electricity outside peak times (Ofgem, 2026).
Should I fix my energy tariff?
It could save you money. Ofgem (2026) says some fixed tariffs are £100 or more below the October price cap. Around 35% of households are already on fixed tariffs, so the October rise didn't affect them (Ofgem, 2026).
Before you fix, check the exit fees and compare the deal with what the price cap might do next. How you pay matters too. Prepayment customers pay the lowest price cap rates, which Ofgem says saves around £45 on average compared with Direct Debit (Ofgem, 2026).
What help can I get with energy bills?
| Scheme | How much | Who can get it |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Home Discount | How much£150 off your electricity bill | Who can get itSome people on certain benefits (not in Northern Ireland). Usually automatic |
| Winter Fuel Payment | How much£100 to £300 | Who can get itPeople born on or before 27 June 1960 |
| Household Energy Payment | How much£100 from January 2027 | Who can get itHomes in council tax bands A to D in England |
Check your eligibility on GOV.UK for the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment. If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take the Winter Fuel Payment back (GOV.UK, n.d.b). The Household Energy Payment was announced in the Autumn Budget (HM Treasury, 2026).
Longer-term ways to save
The biggest savings come from making your home use less energy in the first place:
- Insulate your loft and walls. A lot of heat escapes through the roof.
- Draught-proof doors, windows and letterboxes.
- Service your boiler every year so it runs efficiently.
- Look at solar panels or a heat pump if you're planning bigger changes. Our solar panel guide explains the costs.
Energy costs matter when you're buying too. Read why energy bills belong in every property decision.
Energy bills this winter: quick answers
What is the energy price cap for October to December 2026?
£1,723 a year for a typical dual fuel household paying by Direct Debit (Ofgem, 2026).
Will energy bills go up in January 2027?
Ofgem will announce the January to March 2027 cap later in November. We'll update this guide when it does.
Is it worth fixing my energy deal now?
It might be. Some fixed deals are £100 or more below the cap (Ofgem, 2026). Check exit fees before you switch.
Who can get the Warm Home Discount?
Some people on certain benefits. It's £150 off your electricity bill and is usually applied automatically (GOV.UK, n.d.a).
Whatever your next move, see how Planna can help at every stage of your home journey.
This article is for general information and isn't financial advice.
References
GOV.UK (n.d.a) Warm Home Discount Scheme. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme (Accessed: 11 November 2026).
GOV.UK (n.d.b) Winter Fuel Payment. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment (Accessed: 11 November 2026).
HM Treasury (2026) Budget 2026. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2026-document/budget-2026-html (Accessed: 11 November 2026).
Ofgem (2026) Energy price cap will rise by 4% from October 2026. Available at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-release/energy-price-cap-will-rise-4-october-2026 (Accessed: 11 November 2026).
