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Energy prices will rise from 1st October as households face growing pressure heading into winter

September 28, 2026

Fuel Bank Foundation warns households could face the combined impact of successive energy price increases as temperatures fall.

Energy prices will rise again from 1st October, when the latest Ofgem Price Cap comes into effect, adding further pressure on households as they head into the colder months.

The increase comes despite the Government’s decision to remove VAT from household energy bills for six months from October. While this measure will reduce the size of the increase, Fuel Bank Foundation warns that households should not look at October’s change in isolation.

The Price Cap also increased in July, and many households may not yet have felt the full impact of that rise. Energy use typically falls during the summer, meaning financial pressure can become much more noticeable as temperatures drop, heating is switched back on and household energy consumption increases.

Matthew Cole, CEO of Fuel Bank Foundation, said:

“For many households already struggling to make ends meet, another increase in energy costs will add to the pressure they are facing as we head into winter. Average annual energy bills are now almost £500 higher than they were at the beginning of 2022.

The removal of VAT will help to soften the increase in October, but it doesn’t change the wider picture. The Price Cap has already increased this year and, as households start using more energy over the colder months, many will feel the combined impact of those increases much more sharply.”

Fuel Bank Foundation is calling for Government support for energy bills to:

Be targeted at households on the lowest incomes, including those who are in work but still struggling with their energy costs
Be delivered as a credit directly onto customers’ bills, making the support simple and accessible
Reach households when they need it most, ideally before or during winter rather than retrospectively
Include low-income households who are off the gas grid and facing rising costs for heating oil and other alternative fuels.

“We also need to make sure that people who aren't protected by the Price Cap aren't overlooked. Heating oil prices have risen by around 50% over the past six months. Low-income households relying on heating oil are facing significant pressures too, and additional support is needed.”

Matthew Cole, CEO, Fuel Bank Foundation

The charity says the Government’s previous investment in the Crisis and Resilience Fund is welcome, but further support is needed for households who were already struggling to afford to heat their homes before energy costs began to rise.

Fuel Bank Foundation is also taking action to help people prepare for the months ahead. In early October, the charity will launch an advice campaign, contacting people it has previously supported with practical advice and information to help them prepare for winter and reduce the risk of reaching crisis point.

The campaign will encourage households to take action early, understand what support may be available and address potential problems before they escalate as energy use increases.

Matthew Cole added:

“We know that advice on its own cannot solve fuel poverty or remove the financial pressures households are under. But getting the right information to people early can help them feel more prepared, access support they may be entitled to and take action before a problem becomes a crisis. We want to help people get through winter without reaching the point where they are unable to afford the energy they need to heat and power their homes.”

Fuel Bank Foundation has also created a dedicated online resource with practical information to help households prepare for winter and find preventative advice and support.

Find out more and access the winter support resource: www.fuelbankfoundation.org/winter