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Ofgem price cap rises 4% on 1 October, lifting average bill to £1,723

Ofgem's price cap rises 4% from Thursday 1 October, affecting over four million standard-tariff homes. The average annual bill goes up by £60, partly offset by a VAT cut on electricity.

2 outlets · 1L · 0C · 1R First reported Account updated
Image: Daily Express
Image: Daily Mirror

1 / 2

The story, neutrally told

Ofgem's price cap rises by 4% from Thursday 1 October, affecting more than four million households on standard tariffs. The average direct debit bill in England, Scotland and Wales rises to £1,723, up £5 a month or £60 a year if sustained over 12 months. The change includes the Government's removal of 5% VAT on household electricity until 31 March next year, which the Government estimates will save the average bill payer about £45 a year; VAT on gas stays.

Both outlets say Ofgem attributed the rise to higher wholesale gas prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East, and note that the US-Iran conflict and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed up global energy costs. Uswitch urged households without smart meters to submit readings before the end of the month to avoid paying higher rates for earlier usage. National Energy Action's Adam Scorer said there was "no light at the end of the tunnel" for vulnerable and low-income households and called for targeted support in the Autumn Budget.

Ofgem will announce the January to March 2027 cap in November; the Mirror adds that EDF forecasts a 30% rise to £2,098, and that Ofgem posted advice on social media urging people struggling with bills to act early.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Consumer-help angle: leads with Ofgem's 'three steps to take back control' advice alongside the bill rise, and calls the timing the worst possible.
Emphasis
Ofgem's advice, the EDF forecast of a further 30% rise in January.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention Government estimates of savings beyond the VAT figure; otherwise mirrors the Express text.
Charged language
“worst possible time”“fork out”
For example
“The increase arrives at the worst possible time, just as dropping temperatures prompt millions to fire up their central heating.” — Daily Mirror

Centre0 outlets

No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Right1 outlet

Framing
Explanatory 'how it affects you' piece, leading with the rise and its effect on households.
Emphasis
Government VAT measure, Middle East conflict, Uswitch meter-reading advice.
Leaves out or plays down
Leaves out the EDF forecast of a 30% rise in January and Ofgem's social media advice.
Charged language
“particularly challenging time”
For example
“The rise comes at a particularly challenging time, just as falling temperatures prompt many to switch on their central heating.” — Daily Express