Ofgem has confirmed the energy Price Cap will rise by 13% from 1 July to 30 September 2026. The Price Cap sets the maximum rate energy suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity to customers on standard variable (default) tariffs — in other words, anyone who has not signed up to a fixed-rate deal.

For a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit, this means annual bills rising from £1,641 to £1,862 — an increase of around £221 a year, or approximately £18 a month. Gas prices are rising more sharply than electricity, driven by higher wholesale energy costs linked to ongoing global instability. If you are already on a fixed tariff, you will not be affected by this change.

There is lots you can do now to reduce the impact, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

1. Check your tariff

Look at a recent bill, log into your energy account, or contact your supplier to find out what you are currently on. As a Kingdom Housing Association tenant, you have the right to choose your own energy supplier for your individual meter. If you are not on a good deal, it’s worth speaking to your supplier or shopping around before July.

2. Make sure you are getting everything you are entitled to

Many households are missing out on benefits, grants, and financial support they don’t know about. Use the free Better Off calculator on our website to run a benefits check in minutes, it could make a real difference to your income.

You can also create a free Lightning Reach account to be fully assessed for support available from us and a wide range of partner organisations, all in one place. By answering a few simple questions you’ll be matched to every form of assistance you may be eligible for.

3. Reduce your energy use at home

The summer months are the perfect time to prepare, so that when the temperature drops and the heating goes back on, you are already in the best position possible. Here are some simple things you can do now and as we head into autumn:

• Turn your thermostat down by 1°C when you do put the heating on — this alone can save around £100 a year without noticeably affecting comfort.
• Use a timer for your heating — heat your home only when you need it rather than leaving it on all day.
• Bleed your radiators before the cold weather arrives — trapped air stops them heating properly and makes your boiler work harder. You can do this yourself with a simple radiator key, and doing it in summer means your radiators are ready to go when you need them.
• Report draughts, damp, or poor insulation to us now — we have a responsibility to keep your home energy efficient. Getting these issues sorted during the warmer months means your home will be prepared before the heating season starts.
• Ask us about energy efficiency improvements — we may be able to help with draught proofing, insulation, or heating upgrades. Tenants in Scottish social housing may also be eligible for support through the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.
• Switch to LED bulbs if you haven’t already — they use up to 90% less energy and are cheap to buy.
• Only boil as much water as you need and keep your freezer defrosted to keep appliances running efficiently.
• If you have a pre-payment meter and are struggling to top up, do not self-disconnect — contact us or your supplier straight away. We may be able to help with a Fuel Bank Foundation voucher to get you back on supply (subject to eligibility criteria).

4. Get on top of debt

If energy costs or wider financial pressures are leading to debt, it is important to get advice early before things escalate. We work in partnership with Citizens Advice, who offer free, independent, and confidential debt advice to anyone who needs it. Whether it’s energy debt, rent arrears, or wider money worries, their specialist advisers can help you understand your options and take back control. We can refer you directly, or you can contact your local Citizens Advice bureau yourself.

5. Speak to our team

Our Tenancy Support Services Team can help you with a wide range of financial wellbeing issues, including:

• Fuel poverty and energy costs — practical advice and support tailored to your home.
• Welfare rights — making sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to, including Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, and Scottish Welfare Fund support.
• Budgeting and debt — helping you take control of your finances and connecting you with specialist advice where needed.
• Fuel Bank vouchers — for households in fuel crisis on pre-payment meters (subject to eligibility criteria).
• Foodbank referrals — if you need emergency food support, we can help you access it quickly and without any fuss.

6. Specialist advice and support

We work with specialist energy advice and fuel poverty organisations across all of the areas we operate in. If you need specialist support, we’ll make sure you’re connected to the right people quickly.

Fife

• Greener Kirkcaldy — free energy advice and support for Fife households.
• St Andrews Environmental Network — energy and sustainability advice across north-east Fife.
• Fife Council Fuel Poverty Team — local authority fuel poverty support and referrals.

Clackmannanshire

• Clackmannanshire Council Home Energy Advice Team — free and impartial energy efficiency and fuel poverty advice, including home visits. Drop-in sessions available at Kilncraigs, Alloa.
• Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau — dedicated Local Energy Advice Project supporting households at risk of fuel poverty.

Falkirk

• Falkirk Citizens Advice Bureau — specialist energy advice helping residents get the best value on their bills and access available support and grants.
• Falkirk Council — local authority fuel poverty and energy efficiency support.

Perth and Kinross

• SCARF (Home Energy Advice Team — HEAT) — free home energy advice service funded by Perth and Kinross Council, available to all tenants including social housing. Offers telephone advice and home visits, and can help with tariff switching, energy efficiency, and fuel debt advocacy.

• Perth and Kinross Council — fuel poverty support and referrals into energy efficiency improvement schemes.

Across all areas, Home Energy Scotland also provides free and impartial energy advice and may be able to help with referrals into improvement schemes such as Warmer Homes Scotland. We can help you get in touch with the right service for where you live.

Do not wait for bills to become a problem — contact our Tenancy Support Services Team today:

• Phone: 01592 630922
• Email: customerservices@kha.scot
• Online: www.kingdomhousing.org.uk/contact-us
• Lightning Reach portal: www.lightningreach.org/application-portal