Nov 02, 2026
The first cold morning of autumn has a familiar effect: the heating goes on, the lights are on earlier and suddenly the energy bill feels much more real again.
That matters more this year because the price cap has risen again. From 1 October 2026, the typical annual figure for a household paying by Direct Debit rises by 4%, from £1,663 to £1,723. It is not a maximum bill, so a busy household using more energy could still pay considerably more.
Households have been through several rounds of energy price changes since 2021, but the reasons behind them have not stayed the same.
In our 2021 Winter Bills article, we looked at rising wholesale gas prices, failing energy suppliers and fears over what winter bills might look like. Some of the advice from that article still stands, but the energy market has changed considerably since then.
So, what is pushing bills up this time, and what can households do before winter arrives?
The reasons behind the current increase are different from those we were discussing five years ago.
In 2021, energy prices were being affected by the reopening of economies after Covid, strong global gas demand, low wind generation and disruption to supply.
This autumn, the main reason for the latest increase is higher wholesale gas prices linked to the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Gas remains important both for heating homes and generating electricity, which means movements in the wholesale gas market can still feed through into household bills.
The way the price cap works has changed as well.
The energy price cap is now reviewed every three months rather than twice a year, while millions of households are on fixed tariffs and will not be affected immediately by the October change.
There has also been a change to VAT. From 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, qualifying domestic electricity in Great Britain is charged at 0% VAT, although gas still includes 5% VAT. This helps limit electricity costs, but gas prices have risen more sharply.
Our previous article covered familiar ideas such as switching appliances off, checking tariffs, reducing draughts and thinking carefully about heating.
Those points still matter, but there are other steps worth checking before winter.
The price cap gets plenty of attention, but it does not mean everyone pays exactly the same amount.
Your bill depends on:
If you are on a default variable tariff, it is worth checking what fixed tariffs your current supplier and competitors are offering.
A fixed tariff can be useful, but it is not automatically the cheapest option. Compare the unit rates and standing charges, and check the length of the deal and any exit fee before switching.
Around 35% of households were already on fixed tariffs when Ofgem announced the October rise, so a large number of people will not see their prices change straight away.
Smart meters have opened up tariff options that barely featured in the conversation about household energy in 2021.
Some suppliers now offer cheaper electricity at particular times, at weekends or during periods of lower demand.
These deals will not suit every household. A time-of-use tariff can actually cost more if you use most of your electricity during expensive peak periods.
But if you have some flexibility about when you run the washing machine, dishwasher or charge an electric vehicle, it is worth checking what is available.
For households with a smart meter, it is worth checking whether the supplier has a tariff with cheaper periods that fit the way you use electricity.
A surprising amount of energy can be wasted simply because heating controls are not being used properly.
Heating and hot water account for more than half of a typical home’s energy use, so getting the controls right can matter more than worrying about a phone charger left plugged in overnight.
Check:
Think about what has changed since last winter. Perhaps somebody now works from home two days a week, a child is home earlier from school, or everyone leaves the house an hour earlier in the morning. A heating timer that made sense last year may no longer fit the way the house is actually used.
For example, there is little point having the heating programmed around an old work schedule if somebody is now working different hours.
If your boiler is due a service, it is better to deal with it before you are relying on it every day.
If you have a combi boiler, you may also want to understand its flow-temperature setting.
The flow temperature controls how hot the water becomes before travelling through your radiators. Many boilers are set higher than they need to be, and lowering the temperature carefully can improve efficiency.
This is not something to change blindly, particularly if you have a conventional boiler with a hot-water cylinder. Different systems need different settings, so check the guidance for your boiler or speak to an engineer if you are unsure.
Heating timers are easy to forget once they have been set. The problem is that real life changes while the timer carries on doing exactly what it was told.
If your plans change, the heating schedule may need changing too.
Say you normally get home at six, but one evening you are staying with family until ten. Letting the heating follow its normal four-hour routine means paying to warm an empty house. Smart controls make changes easier, but even a standard timer is worth checking when plans change.
Draught proofing was relevant in 2021 and it remains relevant now, but it is worth looking at it with fresh eyes.
Check the places where cold air is getting in, particularly around doors, windows and loft hatches.
Walk around the house on a cold or windy day and check around:
Simple DIY draught proofing around windows, floors and doors can reduce heat loss without requiring a major home improvement project.
Current estimates suggest that draught proofing windows, floors and doors can save around £55 a year in Great Britain.
Do not block intentional ventilation, air bricks or vents that are needed for safety and air quality.
Different rooms do not always need the same amount of heat. Thermostatic radiator valves can help reduce heat in less-used rooms, while closing doors between warmer and cooler areas can help keep heat where you need it.
Tumble dryers often get more use once the weather turns colder. Where practical, use a clothes airer in a well-ventilated space instead. Good ventilation matters because drying clothes indoors can add moisture and contribute to condensation or damp.
The Warm Home Discount returns for winter 2026 to 2027 and provides a one-off £150 discount on an eligible household’s electricity bill.
Eligibility rules depend on where you live and your circumstances. You can check whether you’re eligible for the WHD here.
In England and Wales, qualifying households generally need to receive one of the relevant means-tested benefits and have the benefit recipient or their partner named on the electricity bill. Most eligible households receive the discount automatically.
In the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, the government announced a new £100 Household Energy Payment to help with rising energy costs. The one-off payment will be available to eligible households in England living in properties in Council Tax bands A to D, with payments starting from January 2027.
If you pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit, you should receive the payment automatically into your bank account. If you pay another way, your local council will contact you about how to claim.
The government has also announced an additional £100 million for councils to support households struggling with energy costs who may not qualify for the £100 payment.
You can read more about the Household Energy Payment and check the eligibility rules on GOV.UK.
If you are struggling to pay an energy bill, speak to your supplier rather than ignoring it.
Suppliers are required to work with customers who are having payment difficulties and may be able to discuss repayment plans or other support.
The best time to think about winter energy bills is before you have the heating running every day.
Check your tariff, learn what your heating controls actually do, deal with obvious draughts and find out whether there is any support you are entitled to.
Some of the advice we shared in 2021 remains sensible, but the energy market and the reasons behind rising prices have changed.
Doing these checks before the coldest weather arrives can make winter bills easier to plan for.
We hope this article has helped you find some practical ways to prepare for winter energy costs. Remember to visit us again soon at Loans 2 Go for more straightforward ideas on managing household bills and everyday finances.
This blog/article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice.
How to Save Money on Your Energy Bills Before Winter 
