The January Increase
Energy bills across Great Britain are expected to climb by £276 a year from 1 January. The rise stems mainly from higher wholesale gas prices feeding into Ofgem’s quarterly price cap review. This follows the October cap we already flagged at £1,723 and leaves households facing a second hit before spring.
What’s Behind the Jump
Ofgem sets the cap every three months to reflect wholesale costs, network charges and levies. Global gas markets have tightened again, so the unit rate and daily standing charge both move up. Network and environmental costs add smaller but steady pressure. The regulator’s next decision will land in December and run through to March.
Steps That Actually Help
Submit meter readings every month or fit a smart meter so bills reflect real use, not estimates. Check eligibility for the Warm Home Discount (£150 off electricity) and Winter Fuel Payment before the schemes close for the season. Our energy comparison tools show fixed deals that can lock in rates before the cap rises further. Fuse Energy’s app gives real-time usage data if you want to track costs day by day.
Why It Matters Now
The £276 figure is an average across typical dual-fuel homes; heavy users or those on standard variable tariffs will feel it more. Acting before the January cap starts can limit the damage, especially if you compare fixed tariffs that avoid the next review altogether.
