PRICE CHANGE 4 AUGUST 2026
Residential Price Change
7 July 2026: Budget Energy is today announcing an increase of 9.5% to its residential electricity unit rates and standing charges for customers on variable tariffs, effective from 4 August 2026. Customers on fixed-price tariffs will not be affected.
Budget Energy’s consistent energy purchasing and hedging strategy has helped protect customers from the impact of significant volatility in wholesale energy markets, enabling the company to absorb market pressures for as long as possible. However, continued volatility in global energy markets, coupled with geopolitical tensions and sustained pressures across the energy market, means an increase to residential variable tariffs is now necessary.
Full details on the upcoming price change will shortly be available on the Budget Energy website.
How will this impact your bill?
Unit rates and standing charges are changing - see our Energy Tariffs.
Residential Keypad electricity costs for customers on standard variable tariffs will increase by 9.5% based on an average annual consumption of 3,200 kWh’s, which equates to £2.32 per week. Please note that if you are on a discounted product, the increase will be lower than this.
Residential Bill Pay bills for customers on standard variable tariffs will also increase by 9.5%, which equates to £2.34 per week, based on an average annual consumption of 3,200 kWh’s. Please note that if you are on a discounted product, the increase will be lower than this.
Residential customers on fixed price tariffs are unaffected.
How customers can reduce the impact of price increases;
Check if you are currently in a contract
We have current offers available to existing customers with significant discounts off our standard variable price plans. If you are unsure whether you are in contract, please contact us.
Consider solar panels or battery storage
Solar is the more sustainable option both financially and for the environment. Putting solar panels on your roof, means you are reducing the amount of energy you need to purchase. In fact, you can receive money for any excess electricity your solar panels produce.
By having a battery installed for your solar panels, you can store any energy you don’t use and choose when you want to use it. When your battery is charged and your solar panels are producing more energy than you need, you can also sell that excess electricity back to the grid.
Explore other ways to save energy
Budget Energy provides a range of energy-saving advice and practical tips to help customers reduce their energy consumption and manage costs more effectively. The guidance covers simple behavioural changes, efficient use of household appliances, and improvements that can help make homes more energy efficient over time. Customers can also access wider support and independent resources to better understand their energy usage and identify opportunities to save energy and money. More information is available here.
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills
We understand that life doesn't always go to plan. Addressing payment difficulties early can prevent things from becoming more stressful over time, and our team will always treat your situation with sensitivity and confidentiality.
If you are finding it hard to pay your energy bill – or think you might struggle soon because of a change in circumstances or reduction in income, please get in touch with us as soon as you can. We're here to help and will work with you.
Payment Plans
If you are struggling to pay your bill, we can agree a payment plan that allows you to repay what you owe over a reasonable period of time, based on your individual circumstances. When setting up a plan, we will take into account:
- Your ongoing energy usage and future charges.
- What you can realistically afford to pay.
- Any previous payment arrangements you've had.
To make sure arrangements are fair and affordable, we use an affordability questionnaire based on the Common Financial Statement (CFS). This approach is supported by the British Bankers' Association, the Money Advice Trust, and the Finance & Leasing Association, and helps ensure that solutions are agreed without unnecessary delay.
Once a plan is agreed, we'll confirm the details in writing within 10 working days. If your circumstances change and you feel you can no longer afford the agreed payments, please get in touch with us straight away so we can review your plan.
Customer Services - 0800 012 1177
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm
Email: TalkToUs@budgetenergy.co.uk
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Our standard variable electricity tariffs are increasing from 4 August 2026.
If your energy prices change partway through a billing period, your bill may be calculated on a pro rata basis. This means your usage is split into two parts: one charged at your old prices up to the date of the price change, and the remainder charged at the new prices from that date onwards.
This ensures you are billed accurately for the energy you used at each different price, rather than being charged the new rate for the whole billing period.
If you are on one of our discounted variable tariffs, your prices will change from 4 August 2026. Your discount will stay the same and will continue to be taken off our standard variable tariffs.
If you are not sure whether you are on a contract with a discount, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Yes, you can choose to leave at any time, but please contact us first as we may have better discounted tariffs available for you. For more information visit our price plans page.
No, customers currently on fixed rate contracts are unaffected. When your contract ends, you will automatically default to one of our standard variable plans unless you enter into a new contract with Budget Energy. Existing customers can renew their contract when their current contract has ended by visiting our price plans page.
Yes, any customer on a variable price plan is affected.
Your first top-up on or after 4 August 2026 will generate a 40–60-digit code that updates your meter with the new tariff. This code must be entered into your meter before any subsequent top-up codes.
Your new unit rate and standing charge will be available on our Energy Tariffs page from 7 July 2026. They will also appear on your bills after the change takes effect on 4 August 2026.
Your monthly payment may be reviewed to reflect your expected annual energy costs. If any changes are needed, we will let you know.