Overview

• Ofgem’s quarterly cap increases average annual costs from £1,720 to £1,755 on October 1, a 2% uplift for typical direct-debit customers on standard variable tariffs.
• Consumer groups and Martin Lewis advise submitting gas and electricity meter readings by the end of September 30 to avoid estimated billing at the higher rates, with non‑smart prepayment users encouraged to top up in advance where allowed.
• Comparison services report multiple fixes under the new cap, including Outfox Energy at around £1,540 a year, though switches typically take up to five working days and include a 14‑day cooling‑off period.
• Uswitch is offering 25 hours of free electricity in November to users who connect a compatible smart meter via its app and sign up by October 31.
• Energy-saving steps highlighted include setting thermostats to a comfortable 18–21°C, turning the dial down by 1°C to save about £90 a year, lowering combi boiler flow temperature to roughly 60°C for up to 9% heating savings, and simple measures like draught‑proofing, radiator care and hot‑water tank insulation that can trim £200–£300 annually.