UK Millions Urged to Switch Energy Tariffs Before October Price Cap Rise

With the UK energy price cap set to rise by 2% on October 1, increasing the average household bill to £1,755 annually, millions of households on standard variable tariffs risk significant bill increases if they do not act promptly. Energy expert Scott Byrom and financial journalist Martin Lewis both urge consumers to switch to fixed-rate energy tariffs immediately to avoid paying higher costs, noting that the cheapest fixed deals are currently around £215 and 13% below the upcoming price cap. Martin Lewis highlights that two-thirds of homes remain on the default price cap tariff, which is vulnerable to these rises, and stresses that locking in a fixed rate now can secure savings until at least December. While future price predictions suggest a slight drop in January followed by increases in 2026, experts agree that securing a fixed deal is the best immediate way to avoid "rip off" energy bills. Consumers are advised to act swiftly as switching suppliers can take several days, and delaying could mean missing out on these savings ahead of the cap increase. This collective advice underscores the urgency for UK households to compare energy deals and lock in cheaper tariffs before the price cap hike.