UK households face £221 rise unless they switch to fixed energy tariffs

The UK government's energy price cap will lift on 1 July, raising bills by about 13 percent. Households still on standard variable rates could see their annual energy bill increase by roughly £221 unless they move to a fixed‑rate tariff.

Energy‑comparison site Uswitch is campaigning across England, Scotland and Wales with mobile “digi‑vans” and online guides, urging consumers to compare fixed‑tariff offers – which on average could save £316 compared with the new cap. The company cites a survey in which 63 % of 4,000 respondents were unaware of the upcoming rise, while 42 % of those on variable rates said they were not planning to switch.

Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi warned that the July increase could set a higher baseline for future hikes, calling the one‑week warning period “urgent” for millions of households to lock in cheaper fixed deals before they disappear.