UK energy price cap to rise 4% on October 1 as households are urged to submit meter readings

{'type': 'paragraph', 'text': 'The energy price cap in England, Scotland and Wales will rise by 4% from October 1. For a typical household paying for gas and electricity by direct debit, the estimated annual bill will reach £1,723 — about £5 more a month or £60 over a year if that level were sustained for 12 months.'}

{'type': 'paragraph', 'text': 'More than four million homes on standard tariffs have been urged to submit meter readings before the price change. The warning particularly affects customers without smart meters: Uswitch says a current reading can help suppliers bill energy used before October 1 at the correct rates rather than estimate consumption using the new, higher prices. Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi said readings should be sent by Thursday, October 1.'}

{'type': 'paragraph', 'text': 'Ofgem said the increase reflects higher wholesale gas prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with volatile global markets remaining the main driver of price changes. Cooler weather may also raise consumption as households switch on central heating, while higher unit rates under the new cap add to the cost of each kilowatt-hour used.'}

{'type': 'paragraph', 'text': 'Uswitch said around 15 million households on standard tariffs could seek to avoid the increase by moving to a lower-rate fixed deal before prices rise. Ofgem revises the cap every three months, largely according to wholesale energy costs. Introduced in January 2019, it limits suppliers’ unit prices in England, Scotland and Wales; it does not cap total bills, which still depend on how much energy a household uses.'}