Energy price cap rises tomorrow
The energy price cap is set to increase, and consumers are urged to submit meter readings to avoid being overcharged.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The energy price cap is set to rise tomorrow, meaning households across the UK face higher bills from 1 July. The cap, which is set by the regulator Ofgem, will increase to 1,862 pounds for the average household. That is a 13 percent increase on the April cap, adding around 221 pounds to annual costs.
Consumers are being urged to submit meter readings before the change takes effect to avoid being overcharged. Those without smart meters, around five million households in the UK, are particularly at risk of being billed based on estimated usage at the higher rate. Submitting a reading ensures that energy used before the cap rise is charged at the lower rate.
Sabrina Hock, an energy expert, advised that around 60 percent of UK households are on standard variable or default tariffs and will be directly affected by the increase. She noted that many people feel powerless about rising bills, but there are steps they can take. Switching to a fixed tariff could lock in lower unit rates, with around 28 fixed deals currently on the market offering potential savings of up to 312 pounds.
The price cap is expected to remain high through the winter months, when energy usage typically rises. This compounding effect of higher rates and greater consumption could lead to significantly higher bills later in the year. Experts recommend that households check their current tariff and consider switching if they have not done so in the past 12 to 18 months.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| Around five million UK households still do not have a smart meter. | |
| The energy price cap will increase to £1,862 for the average household from tomorrow, a 13% rise adding £221, affecting about 60% of households on standard tariffs, with around 28 fixed tariffs offering potential savings of up to £312. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused on practical consumer advice, emphasising the urgency of submitting meter readings before the price cap rise. It introduced an expert to explain the cap's impact and offered actionable tips, such as switching to a fixed tariff. The tone was informative and helpful, with a clear call to action for viewers.
- “the price cap goes up again tomorrow So tonight's actually a last chance to lock in those meter readings”
- “if your rate does change tonight or tomorrow, you need to get that meter reading in”
- “customers can take control so if you know You're in that position... you could actually move yourself onto a fixed tariff”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.