Ofgem raises energy price cap to £1,755 from October

Millions of UK households face higher energy bills from October 1 after the regulator Ofgem raised the energy price cap, increasing the typical annual dual-fuel bill to £1,755, up £35 from the previous quarter. Consumers on standard variable tariffs have been urged to submit meter readings before the change to ensure energy used before October is charged at the lower rate rather than being estimated at the higher price.

Ofgem reviews the cap every three months and sets it to reflect wholesale prices and suppliers’ costs. The latest quarterly update raised the cap by about 2 percent and also increased fixed daily standing charges, which add to household costs regardless of consumption. The rise comes as many households begin to use heating again for autumn, and consumer groups warn the timing will add pressure to families already carrying rising energy debt.

Households without smart meters are particularly at risk of overpaying if they do not provide a current reading to their supplier. If no reading is submitted, suppliers may estimate usage and allocate more of September’s consumption to October once the higher rates take effect. “If you’re on a variable tariff, submit a meter...