Ofgem confirms energy price cap will be updated more often as 'very challenging winter ahead'

Ofgem confirms energy price cap will be updated more often as 'very challenging winter ahead'
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Tom Evans

By Tom Evans


Published: 04/08/2022

- 08:17

Updated: 04/08/2022

- 08:26

Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will be updated quarterly, rather than every six months

The Government regulator for the electricity and downstream natural gas markets warned that customers face a “very challenging winter ahead”.

It said that although Britain only imported a small amount of Russian gas, the volatility in the global energy market experienced last winter had lasted much longer than expected.


This led to much higher prices for both gas and electricity than ever before.

Ofgem also warned that as a result of the market conditions, the price cap would have to rise to reflect increased costs.

The next price cap level will be published at the end of August.

Ofgem said the change to when the energy price cap is updated “will go some way to provide the stability needed in the energy market, reducing the risk of further large-scale supplier failures which cause huge disruption and push up costs for consumers".

Chief executive Jonathan Brearley said: “I know this situation is deeply worrying for many people.

"As a result of Russia’s actions, the volatility in the energy markets we experienced last winter has lasted much longer, with much higher prices than ever before.

"And that means the cost of supplying electricity and gas to homes has increased considerably.

“The trade-offs we need to make on behalf of consumers are extremely difficult and there are simply no easy answers right now.

"Today’s changes ensure the price cap does its job, making sure customers are only paying the real cost of their energy, but also, that it can adapt to the current volatile market.

“We will keep working closely with the Government, consumer groups and with energy companies on what further support can be provided to help with these higher prices.”

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Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will be updated quarterly
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