The Ofgem energy price cap sets the maximum unit rates and daily standing charges suppliers can charge on default tariffs (standard variable tariffs) in England, Scotland and Wales. It does not cap your total bill. Use more energy and you pay more. Ofgem updates the cap every three months.
What it means for a home battery
For 1 October to 31 December 2026, Ofgem's price cap overview and unit rates page put the typical Direct Debit dual-fuel level at £1,723 a year on the current Typical Domestic Consumption Values (2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas). Average Direct Debit electricity is quoted at 26.32p per kWh with a 54.83p daily standing charge, and gas at 7.97p per kWh with a 29.68p daily standing charge (GB averages; electricity without VAT in this period). Ofgem's 26 August 2026 price-cap news describes that as a 4% rise versus the previous quarter's typical level, and lists the next announcement dates: levels for 1 January to 31 March 2027 by 25 November 2026, then 23 February 2027 and 26 May 2027 for the following quarters.
A home battery on a flat default tariff under the cap has little or no overnight discount to store, so the large saving Habo shows comes after you switch to a time-of-use tariff such as Octopus Go, where eligible. Fixed Go rates are not the same product as the capped standard variable tariff, and Go needs an EV charged at home (Smart Tariffs terms 2.1.3). See average UK electricity usage for the TDCV figures behind the headline, energy standing charges for the daily charge, and the calculator for your own rates. Habo's offer is an electrician-wired EcoFlow STREAM from £2,499. Join the waitlist.
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Frequently asked questions
No. It limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on default tariffs. Your bill still rises if you use more energy.
Fixed and many smart time-of-use tariffs sit outside the default-tariff cap. Ofgem says you are not affected by cap changes if you have moved to a fixed-rate tariff. Octopus Go also needs an EV charged at home under its own terms.
For 1 October to 31 December 2026 Ofgem quotes £1,723 a year for a typical Direct Debit dual-fuel household on the latest TDCV.
Simple battery, simple install
Electrician-wired EcoFlow STREAM from £2,499. Habo will try to serve anyone who registers in an area where we have an electrician. Nothing to pay today.
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