Charged more per unit than Ofgem's price cap allows? Learn how to identify price cap breaches, request refunds from your supplier, escalate to the Energy Ombudsman, and claim compensation.
Quick Answer
Check your unit rate (pence per kWh) against Ofgem's published price cap for your region. If your supplier charged above cap limits, demand a refund plus 8% interest. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman, which can order refund and compensation.
Review your last 6 months of bills. Note the pence per kWh charged for gas and electricity. Write down standing charges too.
2
Compare to Ofgem Cap
Visit www.ofgem.gov.uk/pricecap. Find the price cap for your region and payment method (direct debit, standard credit, prepay). Note exact cap rates.
3
Calculate Overcharge
If your unit rates exceeded cap rates, calculate the total overpayment across all affected bills. Include interest at 8% per annum.
4
Demand Refund in Writing
Send a formal letter to your supplier with bill evidence and cap breach calculations. Demand refund plus 8% interest within 14 days.
5
Escalate to Energy Ombudsman
If supplier refuses, file a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman at www.ombudsman-services.org/energy. Include all evidence.
Backed by Ofgem & Energy Ombudsman
Price Regulation
Ofgem Price Cap
Ofgem sets maximum unit rates quarterly. All domestic suppliers must comply. Charging above cap is a breach of licence conditions.
Consumer Rights
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Unfair contract terms and unfair charges are prohibited. Charging above price cap is unfair. You can recover overpayment plus interest.
Dispute Resolution
Energy Ombudsman
Independent regulator. Can force suppliers to refund. Orders compensation up to £10,000. Decisions are legally binding.
Common Price Cap Overcharge Situations
💷
Unit Rate Above Cap
Your pence per kWh consistently exceeds Ofgem cap limits for your region and payment method.
⚡
Standing Charge Breach
Standing charge (daily fixed cost) exceeds cap maximum. Less common but equally valid claim.
❌
Slow to Apply Cap Reduction
Price cap dropped but supplier delayed implementation. Overcharged for weeks after cap change date.
📊
Wrong Region Cap Applied
Supplier charged you the cap rate for the wrong region - higher than your actual region.
💳
Billed Above Cap After Exit
After you left fixed tariff for price cap, supplier applied above-cap rates before releasing you.
🏠
Dual Fuel Overcharge
Both gas and electricity units exceeded cap. Higher combined overbilling across both commodities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ofgem energy price cap?▼
The price cap is the maximum amount domestic energy suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity. Set by Ofgem (the energy regulator), it is updated quarterly. The cap is expressed as pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for each fuel. All suppliers in Great Britain must comply. Prices vary by region (there are 14 DNO regions) and payment method (direct debit, standard credit, prepay). If a supplier charges above the cap limit for your region and payment type, they are in breach of the Price Cap licence condition.
How do I check if I've been overcharged above the price cap?▼
Step 1: Check your bills for your unit rate (pence per kWh). Step 2: Visit www.ofgem.gov.uk/pricecap to find the current and previous price caps. Look for your region and payment method. Step 3: Compare your billed rate to the cap rate. If your rate exceeds the cap, you have been overcharged. Note: The cap also covers standing charges (fixed daily cost). Check both.
Can I claim a refund for price cap overcharging?▼
Yes, absolutely. Charging above the price cap is a breach of the supplier's licence conditions and Consumer Rights Act 2015. You can demand a refund for all units overcharged, plus 8% statutory interest per annum. The interest is mandatory - not optional - and calculated from the date you were overcharged.
What if my supplier refuses to refund price cap overcharges?▼
File a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman at www.ombudsman-services.org/energy. You must first give your supplier 8 weeks to resolve (or issue a deadlock letter). The Energy Ombudsman can: (1) Force a refund of all overcharged amounts. (2) Award compensation for distress and inconvenience. (3) Award up to £10,000 compensation. Ombudsman decisions are legally binding and suppliers must comply.
How far back can I claim for price cap overcharging?▼
The price cap began in January 2019. You can claim back to when you were first overcharged, or up to 6 years under Consumer Rights Act 2015, whichever is earlier. In practice, most suppliers will honour claims back 3-4 years without argument. For claims older than that, you'll need clear evidence and may need Energy Ombudsman support.
What is the 8% interest on refunds?▼
If you were overcharged, you are entitled to 8% per annum statutory interest on the refund amount. This is mandated by Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. Interest is calculated from the date you were overcharged to the date the refund is issued. For example, if overcharged £100 for 12 months, you're owed £100 + £8 interest = £108. This is not optional.
Think You've Been Charged Above the Price Cap?
Fightingback's bills tool helps you check rates against cap limits, calculate overcharges plus interest, and generate a demand letter for your supplier.