Overview

• Ofgem’s cap moves from £1,720 to £1,755 for a typical dual‑fuel household paying by direct debit, affecting around 22 million customers on standard variable tariffs.
• Households without smart meters are advised to submit readings as close to October 1 as possible, keep photo evidence, and check if their supplier offers a short grace window for late submissions.
• Consumers are encouraged to compare fixed tariffs now, with Martin Lewis citing deals roughly 13% below the October cap and Ofgem’s Tim Jarvis saying fixes could save more than £200.
• Support steps begin in October with the Winter Fuel Payment phone line opening on October 13 and Warm Home Discount eligibility letters starting from October 20, with expanded eligibility reported for this year.
• Low‑cost measures highlighted by tradespeople include a quick 10‑second door draught check, keeping radiators unobstructed, servicing boilers, improving insulation, and using draught excluders and radiator reflectors to cut winter use.