Speak with charity’s energy expert to find a cheaper deal ahead of the price cap rise in October
- The energy price cap is rising by 4% in October – meaning anyone not on a fixed tariff will pay more
- Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s energy expert Marion can help people find the best fixed deal for them – meaning they can potentially avoid the price cap hike
- Anyone wanting to book a free phone appointment with Marion can come to the charity’s drop-ins across South Gloucestershire, use the online form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/pzDseP11dB or call 01454 334961 and leave a message stating they want to be signed up for an energy appointment
Now is the time to fix your energy tariff if you want to avoid a 4% price hike in October, an energy expert has said.
Ofgem has this week announced there will be a 4% rise in the energy price cap on 1st October 2026 – due largely to the conflict in the Middle East.
This means anyone on a variable tariff will see their bills go up – though the rise will be higher for gas users than those using only electricity.
It’s possible to get a fixed energy deal and avoid being bound by the price cap. A fixed deal means your tariff will stay the same for the duration of your plan length.
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s energy expert Marion Straker has said anyone not already on a fixed tariff should consider moving to one.
Marion is available for free phone appointments during which she will find the best tariffs available.
Cheaper deals are available
Marion said: “The real price rise is on the gas bill so customers will notice it when they start to turn on their heating. The electricity price has gone up less and for some people they might see a reduction thanks to the temporary removal for VAT.
“It means that people who have not fixed their energy account will be asked to pay more in October.
“I suggest that people do consider fixing their rate and that means probably changing provider – there are some attractive offers available.
“The people that this rise will really impact are those who are already in debt with their energy company – and of course those who need to keep warm.
“As usual, the best advice to saving on gas usage is to reduce what you use.
“There could be help available from the government – The £150 warm home discount will be paid to people on means-tested benefit in the Autumn and there will possibly be new initiatives to help people with their debts.”
Anyone interested can sign up on the charity’s webform at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/pzDseP11dB or by leaving a message on 01454 334961 – stating they want to be signed up for an energy appointment.
National Citizens Advice has called the price cap rise “another sign of the relentless erosion of living standards across the country”.
The organisation is calling for greater, targeted support for energy bills including reforming the Warm Home Discount – money off winter electricity bills for eligible households – to introduce tiered support with more paid to the households most in need.
Published 28/08/26.
