Overview

• Ofgem’s cap increases 2% on October 1, lifting a typical direct‑debit dual‑fuel bill to £1,755 a year in England, Scotland and Wales.
• Uswitch warns that more than seven million households without working smart meters on standard tariffs should submit a reading by October 1 to avoid September usage being charged at higher October rates.
• The comparison site estimates a missed reading could cost the average home about £17 for a week’s usage, adding up to roughly £125 million nationwide.
• Smart meters send readings automatically, while supplier cut‑offs and backdating windows vary, with examples of late‑reading acceptance ranging from October 5 to October 14 depending on the firm.
• Standing charges rise by about 4% for electricity and 14% for gas—roughly 7p a day—linked to expanded Warm Home Discount eligibility, and fixed deals remain available around £200–£215 below the new cap.