5 things to do before October 1 ahead of Ofgem price cap hike

5 things to do before October 1 ahead of Ofgem price cap hike These changes may seem small but can really add up Energy regulator Ofgem announced on August 26 that the energy price cap will rise by 4% on October 1 for the period up to December 31, 2026. The energy price cap covers about 22 million households on default tariffs. It sets the limits for the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge, and it is updated every three months to reflect changes in energy supply costs. Ofgem explains: "The current price cap for a typical household paying by direct debit for gas and electricity is £1,663. Based on the energy use of a typical domestic household, from October, the price cap will rise by £60 per year (or £5 per month) to £1,723 for the average household using both electricity and gas if this level was sustained for a year. "Around 35% of households are on fixed tariffs and will not be affected by this rise - this is about 11 million households. This increase reflects higher wholesale gas prices as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with volatile global gas markets remaining the dominant driver of price changes." So what changes can you make before October 1 to soften the below? Here are some key tips from the experts. What 5 things can I do before October 1 ahead of the Ofgem price cap hike to save money? No matter where the price cap is set, cutting how much energy you use is still the most reliable way to bring your bills down. Practical steps can make a real difference - and you don't just have to focus on energy. There are many things you can do to help soften the blow ahead of the rise. 1. Check your tax Citizens Advice urges people to check if they can get a discount on council tax. It explains: "You might get a discount automatically on your council tax bill. If you're not sure whether you're already getting a discount, check your bill or contact the council." You can find your council's contact details on GOV.UK. "If you're not getting a discount, you might still be entitled to one. It depends who lives in the property", it adds. 2. Take a shower Energy Saving Trust notes that "swapping one bath a week to a four-minute shower could save you £10 a year in GB and £9 in NI." While it may not seem like much, combined with other money-saving changes, it could really help. 3. Clothes The Energy Saving Trust has shared another tip, urging people to wash their clothes on a 30C cycle instead of higher temperatures. It also suggests reducing your washing machine use by one run per week for a year. By doing this, it says some households could save £26 a year in GB and £32 in NI on your electricity bill. By making small changes in how you use your washing machine, it can all add up to much-needed savings. 4. Direct Debit Check whether you can get a discount by paying via direct debit. For example, OVO energy states: "On average, customers save £138* a year by choosing Direct Debit. You can set one up on your OVO app or online account. We'll review your Direct Debit regularly to make sure it covers your energy costs and that you're paying the right amount." * This saving is based on a typical domestic dual fuel customer who uses on average 9,500 kWh for gas and 2,500 kWh for single-rate electricity, and will vary based on actual household use. 5. LED According to uswitch, a simple change like switching to LED lighting could really add up. It explains that "LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer." It adds: "Even small changes can reduce a typical household's energy consumption by 10-20%, which at current cap rates could represent an estimated saving of £150-£350 per year - a useful contribution to any household energy bill forecast."