Energy price cap predicted to rise again in April – Is now the time to fix?

The energy price cap is dictated by the energy regulator Ofgem and is currently set at £1,738 a year for the average dual-fuel household. Latest forecasts from three major energy providers are predicting that the energy price cap will rise between 5.03% and 6.51% in April.

Early predictions for Q3 and Q4 in 2025 suggest that further rises are likely, with the energy price cap predicted to hit around £1,925 in July and around £1,950 in October.

It is important to remember that these figures are based on the annual usage of the average UK household, meaning the amount you actually pay may be more or less depending on the amount of energy you use.

Energy price cap predictions for April 2025

Three major energy providers now publish regular updates on where they think energy prices will be in the coming months. The final energy price cap is set by the energy watchdog Ofgem and is based on a number of factors, including the wholesale price of electricity and gas. Energy providers Eon Next, EDF and British Gas are able to use this information – each putting it through their own algorithm – to form a prediction on where the energy price cap is likely to be set in the future. We have provided the latest forecasts below.

British Gas Energy Price Cap Prediction for April 2025

• April - £1,830 (5.03% rise)

Eon Next Energy Price Cap Prediction for April 2025

• April - £1,838 (5.44% rise)

EDF Energy Price Cap Prediction for April 2025

• April - £1,859 (6.51% rise)

Energy price cap predictions for July and October 2025

British Gas Energy Price Cap Predictions

• July - £1,935 - (Low confidence prediction)
• October - £1,950 - (Low confidence prediction)

Eon Next Energy Price Cap Predictions

• July - £1,907
• October - £1,890

EDF Price Cap Predictions

• July - £1,919 - (Low confidence prediction)
• October - £1,935 - (Very low confidence prediction)

Is now the time to fix your energy tariff?

Now could be a good time to fix your energy tariff, especially if you are currently on a standard variable deal, sometimes referred to as a 'flexible' tariff. These are the standard tariffs provided by your energy provider and can be poor value for money. Often, these types of tariffs are set at – or very close to – the current energy price cap, meaning you are paying top whack for your energy.

There are a number of fixed-price tariffs on the market that undercut the current energy price cap, meaning you can make an immediate saving and in some cases fix your deal for 18 or 24 months. Check out our article 'What is the cheapest fixed-price energy tariff?' for the latest deals. Fixing for longer can protect you from further hikes to the energy price cap, however, if prices come down, you will be locked into your deal and could theoretically end up paying more. You also need to be mindful that most fixed-price energy deals come with a penalty if you want to exit your deal early, some costing as much as £150. Check out our article 'Should I fix my energy prices?' for more details.

What if you can't afford to pay your energy bill?

If you find yourself struggling to pay your energy bills there are a number of things you can do:

• Contact your energy supplier - Notifying your energy supplier that you are struggling to pay your energy bills means that they are obliged to help you find an affordable way for you to repay them.
• Check for grants and schemes - Contact your energy supplier and ask if you are eligible for any of their grants or schemes on offer.
• Pay your bills via your benefits - If you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Income Support, you may be able to come to an agreement with your supplier for your debts to be repaid directly from your benefits.

Check out the full article 'What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills' for more information.

Help if you're struggling to pay your energy bill

You may be able to clear your debt with your energy supplier via the Fuel Direct Scheme if you receive benefits. Alternatively, you may be able to get help with grants and schemes offered by your energy supplier or with the British Gas Energy Trust, which offers support for customers of all energy companies. For more information on the schemes available visit the Citizen's Advice website.

Finally, there are a number of charities and organisations that can provide free financial advice. We've provided links to a selection of the best websites below:

• MoneyHelper (previously the Money Advice Service)
• The money charity
• StepChange
• National Debtline
• Turn2us
• Citizens Advice
• Payplan