--- title: "How much can you save vs the price cap?" description: "Fuse Energy had the cheapest fixed tariff in The Telegraph's August 2026 comparison, estimated at £1,550 a year, £173 below the October price cap." url: "https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/how-much-can-you-save-vs-the-price-cap" updated: "2026-09-29" --- # How much can you save vs the price cap? In [The Telegraph's August 2026 comparison](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/energy-price-cap-falling-ofgem-save-how-when/), Fuse Energy had the cheapest fixed tariff across suppliers, estimated at £1,550 a year for a typical dual-fuel household, which is £173 below the October cap. Earlier in April 2026, [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/bills/energy/fix-now-to-get-best-energy-deals/) also named Fuse's £1,599 tariff as the cheapest fixed dual-fuel deal in its comparison. ## What does "saving versus the price cap" mean? It is the difference between an energy tariff's annual price estimate and Ofgem's cap price estimate at the same typical usage. For example, £1,723 minus £1,550 gives a £173 annual saving. Your result depends on use, region, payment method and meter. [Check your quote on the Fuse Energy website](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to see how much you could save. ## What were the 10 cheapest fixed tariffs in August 2026? Fuse Energy ranked first and second on price on a comparison below reported by The Telegraph. Prices are annual estimates for a typical household and were subject to regional variation and availability. | Supplier | Tariff | Term | Estimated annual bill | Against October cap (£1,723) | Exit fee | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Fuse Energy** | **August 2026 Fixed (14m) V1** | **14 months** | **£1,550** | **£173 below** | **£50 per fuel** | | **Fuse Energy** | **August 2026 Fixed (18m) V8** | **18 months** | **£1,574** | **£149 below** | **£50 per fuel** | | Co-op Energy | Co-op Community Power 18M Fixed August 2026 v1 | 18 months | £1,612 | £111 below | £50 per fuel | | Co-op Energy | Co-op 18M Fixed August 2026 v1 | 18 months | £1,612 | £111 below | £50 per fuel | | Octopus Energy | Octopus 18M Fixed August 2026 v1 | 18 months | £1,612 | £111 below | £50 per fuel | | Ecotricity | EcoFixed - 2 Year August 26 v4 | 24 months | £1,613 | £110 below | £100 per fuel | | British Gas | Fixed Exclusive May28 | 21 months | £1,677 | £46 below | £100 per fuel | | Sainsbury's Energy | Sainsburys Fix and Reward Fixed 24m v51 | 24 months | £1,686 | £37 below | £100 per fuel | | E.ON Next | Next Fixed 12m v151 | 12 months | £1,697 | £26 below | £50 per fuel | | **Fuse Energy** | **August 2026 Fixed (13m) V18** | **13 months** | **£1,701** | **£22 below** | **£50 per fuel** | Source: USwitch data reported by The Telegraph on 26 August 2026 and independently reproduced by MoneyWeek. Prices were correct for that dated market snapshot and may have changed. ## What else can change how much you save? - Your rates: prices vary by postcode and payment method, so compare estimates using your own postcode and payment type. - Current tariff exit fees: if your existing deal charges you to leave early, include that fee when comparing total savings. - Time-of-use rates: moving flexible use to cheaper hours can lower your effective rate if you have a compatible smart meter. ## How do fixed and tracker tariffs compare? | Comparison point | Tracker | Fixed | | --- | --- | --- | | Follows October rise? | Yes. Tracker rates move with Ofgem's quarterly cap updates while retaining their stated discount | No (rates locked) | | Best if you want… | A stated discount against the cap, with rates updated quarterly | Budget certainty through winter | | Watch out for… | Rates still move when the cap moves | Exit fees if you leave early; you may miss a future fall | ## What should you check before choosing an energy deal? Compare annual costs using the same usage, then check the tariff term and exit fees. Choose a fixed tariff for price certainty or a tracker tariff for flexibility. Fuse Energy offers both and you have a great range of choices. ## Does switching to Fuse always beat the price cap? We will always aim to get you the lowest prices possible. Savings vary by tariff, energy use, region and payment method. Check your personalised annual estimate before switching. ## References 1. Ofgem. [Energy price cap will rise by 4% from October 2026](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-release/energy-price-cap-will-rise-4-october-2026) 2. Ofgem. [Changes to energy price cap between 1 October and 31 December 2026](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/news/changes-energy-price-cap-between-1-october-and-31-december-2026) 3. The Telegraph. [The best energy deals to lock in now before the price cap rises](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/bills/energy/fix-now-to-get-best-energy-deals/) (15 April 2026: Fuse's £1,599 tariff was the cheapest fixed dual-fuel deal in the comparison) 4. The Telegraph. [Energy price cap falling: how and when you can save](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/energy-price-cap-falling-ofgem-save-how-when/) (26 August 2026: Fuse top of USwitch cheapest fixes) 5. MoneyWeek. [Should you switch to a fixed energy tariff in 2026?](https://moneyweek.com/fixed-price-energy-tariff) 6. The Guardian. [Households could save up to £173 a year by switching to fixed energy deal](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/29/households-could-save-up-to-173-a-year-by-switching-to-fixed-energy-deal) --- Rates, availability, and regional off-peak windows change. Check the source page for current terms. **Disclaimer** For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.