Around 15 million households are expected to be hit with an increase in gas and electricity bills as Ofgem raise the price cap that was set in January 2019. From 1st April 2019 there will be an increase in the price cap for both default and pre-payment customers, a result of a rise in wholesale costs. 11 million default payment customers will see an increase of up to £117 a year whilst 4 million pre-payment customers will see an increase of up to £106.
What is a price cap?
The price cap was introduced to ensure a fairer price for consumers and to offer protection from being overcharged by suppliers. The price cap will be reviewed twice a year, in February and August, to prepare for the winter and summer periods. The price cap works by setting a limit on the cost of gas and electricity per unit. However, relying on the price cap is not the cheapest way to manage your energy bill and you will find that you could save a lot more money by shopping around and switching energy provider.
Why is the cap increasing?
Ofgem has announced that the price hike is due to an increase in wholesale costs as well as network costs for transporting both electricity and gas to homes. Dermot Nolan, chief executive of Ofgem said:
“We can assure customers that they remain protected from being overcharged for their energy and that these increases are only due to actual rises in energy costs, rather than excess charges from supplier profiteering.
“Alongside the price caps, we are continuing to work with government and the industry to deliver a more competitive, fairer and smarter energy market that works for all consumers.”
Is there anything I can do?
Suppliers whose prices will be raised from 1st April have 30 days to notify customers before the price rise is implemented. However, you could save more money on your energy bill by switching provider, rather than relying on the price cap. By using a comparison site, such as confused.comyou are able to compare dual fuel (both gas & electricity) or gas and electric separately to get the best deal for you. If you choose a fixed tariff, you will continue to pay a fixed price until the end of the term, despite any rises in energy costs.
Many consumers find energy price comparison and switching confusing. However, we provide a walkthrough on How to find the best energy deal, switch & cashback in 17mins 39secs. Alternatively, you could sign up to one of the new online services, such as Look After My Bills, that automatically switches your energy tariff to a better deal if one appears. Read our Look After My Bills review
