Overview

• The default cap for a typical dual‑fuel direct‑debit household increases from £1,720 to £1,755 on 1 October, adding about £35 a year or £2.93 a month.
• Roughly 66% of households on standard variable tariffs face the rise, while multiple fixed offers sit well below the cap, such as Outfox Energy’s 12‑month fix near £1,540.
• Experts urge consumers to switch via Ofgem‑accredited sites, check exit fees and meter compatibility, and note that switching can take five working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee or up to 21 days.
• MoneySavingExpert advises submitting a meter reading today or topping up traditional prepay electricity meters before the change to avoid estimated billing at the higher rates.
• Uswitch is offering 25 hours of free electricity in November for eligible smart‑meter users who register in its app by 31 October, as Cornwall Insight projects a brief dip to about £1,725 in January before a rise of roughly £100 in April driven by policy plus network charges.