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Energy Bills Are Falling in April. But is £10 a Month Really Relief?

Energy Bills Are Falling in April. But is £10 a Month Really Relief?

26 February 2026

Paul Francis

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After years of eye-watering energy costs, Ofgem has confirmed that household bills will fall by around 7 per cent from April 2026. The headline figure sounds promising. In political terms, it is being framed as evidence that pressure on households is finally easing.


Gas stove with blue flames on lit burners, set against a dark background. The mood is warm and practical. No text visible.

But when translated into real terms, the average saving comes to roughly £10 per month for a typical household. That makes this less of a breakthrough and more of a modest adjustment.


So what is actually driving the reduction, who benefits, and how significant is it in the wider cost-of-living picture?


Why Prices Are Coming Down

The fall in the price cap is not the result of a sudden collapse in global energy markets. Instead, it is largely the product of a policy reshuffle combined with a partial easing of wholesale gas prices.


In the Autumn Budget, the government confirmed that certain policy costs would no longer be loaded directly onto household energy bills. The Energy Company Obligation scheme has been scrapped, and some environmental and policy-related charges are being moved into general taxation instead.


That accounting shift reduces the visible cost of energy on a household bill, particularly electricity. It does not mean those costs disappear entirely, but they are redistributed across the tax system rather than applied directly to usage.


At the same time, wholesale gas prices have fallen from the extreme highs seen in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While markets remain volatile, they are not at crisis levels. Because UK electricity pricing is closely linked to gas generation costs, lower wholesale prices feed into the price cap calculation.


Together, these changes bring the typical annual dual-fuel bill under the cap down from around £1,758 to approximately £1,641.


It is a movement in the right direction. But it is important to understand what it is and what it is not.


Who Actually Benefits From the Reduction

The 7 per cent drop primarily applies to households on standard variable tariffs governed by Ofgem’s price cap. Millions of people are still on these tariffs, either by choice or because they rolled off fixed deals during the height of the energy crisis.


If you are on a fixed tariff, the picture is more complicated. Some suppliers may reflect the policy cost changes in revised offers, but the headline reduction is specifically tied to the cap calculation. Fixed deals do not automatically track it.


Even among households on the price cap, savings will vary. The reduction is weighted more heavily toward electricity unit rates than gas. That means households that use more electricity relative to gas may see a slightly larger benefit. Those who rely predominantly on gas heating may notice a smaller shift.


Payment method also plays a role. Customers paying by direct debit tend to have lower capped bills than those paying quarterly by cash or cheque. Prepayment customers may see marginally different outcomes again.


The widely quoted £10 per month figure is based on a “typical” household using 11,500 kilowatt hours of gas and 2,700 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Real households rarely fit that exact model.


Still Far Above Pre-Crisis Levels

Context is everything.


Before the energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions and wholesale market shocks, a typical household bill sat closer to £1,200 per year. Even after April’s reduction, the cap will remain roughly a third higher than those pre-2022 levels.


During the peak of the crisis, bills soared far beyond £4,000 under the cap before government intervention limited what households actually paid. The current drop does not represent a return to those earlier norms. It represents a step down from crisis territory to something closer to a new baseline.


Network costs are also rising. Maintaining and upgrading the UK’s energy infrastructure, including cables, pipelines and grid reinforcement, is adding pressure to bills. While some policy charges are being moved off bills, infrastructure investment is pushing in the opposite direction.


The result is a system where some costs fall, and others rise, leaving only a modest net saving for households.


The Broader Cost of Living Picture

Energy does not exist in isolation. While bills are set to fall in April, other household costs are moving upward.


Water bills are rising in some regions. Council tax increases are coming into effect. Food prices, although less volatile than in recent years, remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.


For many families, a £10 reduction in energy costs may simply offset increases elsewhere. It is unlikely to feel like a meaningful financial turning point.


There is also the issue of accumulated debt. UK households collectively owe energy suppliers billions of pounds in arrears built up during the crisis years. For those struggling with repayment plans, the April reduction offers some breathing space but does not fundamentally change the affordability challenge.


Is This Something to Celebrate?

There is a temptation in political messaging to frame any reduction as a major victory. And it is fair to say that falling bills are better than rising ones.


However, the scale of the change matters. A 7 per cent drop sounds substantial until it is translated into monthly cash terms. For many households, £10 per month will be welcome but hardly transformative.


This is not a reset to cheap energy. It is a modest correction after an extraordinary period of price inflation.


Energy bills are falling, but they remain structurally higher than they were before the Ukraine war reshaped global energy markets. The pressure has eased slightly, yet the squeeze has not disappeared.

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A Love Letter to Ahoy: The YouTube Channel That Captivates Through Style, Substance, and Storytelling

  • Writer: Paul Francis
    Paul Francis
  • Sep 10, 2024
  • 4 min read

As a huge fan of Ahoy, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like the unique art and video style that Stuart Brown presents on his channel. From the first time I watched one of his videos, I was captivated by the meticulous attention to detail, the clean and minimalist visuals, and the soothing cadence of his narration. Stuart Brown’s voice is in a league of its own—both informative and comforting, guiding viewers through complex histories and technical analyses with an ease that few can match.


Ahoy's logo by Stuart Brown

But What Is Ahoy?

Ahoy is a YouTube channel created by Stuart Brown, a master of video essays primarily focused on video games, gaming history, and the technology that powers them. The channel is renowned for its deep research, high production quality, and engaging storytelling. Each video is not just a presentation of facts but a carefully crafted narrative that ties together historical, cultural, and technical insights in a way that feels both educational and entertaining.


Stuart Brown himself is a bit of an enigma—a meticulous researcher, a talented storyteller, and a skilled visual artist. His work on Ahoy reflects his deep passion for gaming and technology, but it’s also clear that he has a broader interest in history and culture. Brown’s ability to connect these fields makes Ahoy’s content appeal not just to gamers but to anyone with an interest in media studies, history, or technology.


The target audience of Ahoy is diverse. While the core viewership undoubtedly consists of gamers and tech enthusiasts, the channel’s reach extends to historians, artists, and educators. Ahoy’s content is accessible to a wide range of viewers because it transcends the typical boundaries of gaming channels—each video is a piece of art, a historical document, and a narrative journey all rolled into one.


Unveiling the Gems: Ahoy’s Must-Watch Videos

With a catalogue of exceptional content, selecting the best Ahoy videos is a challenging task, but there are certain videos that stand out for their depth, creativity, and impact. Here are five of the most remarkable ones:


  • "The First Video Game" (2014):

    • This video dives into the origins of video games, exploring early contenders for the title of "first" video game. From "Tennis for Two" to "Spacewar!," Stuart Brown uncovers the roots of gaming with his signature blend of thorough research and engaging storytelling. It’s a fascinating exploration of how the medium began, and it raises thought-provoking questions about what truly constitutes a video game.



  • "A Brief History of Graphics" (2016):

    • A visual and historical journey, this video tracks the evolution of computer graphics from the earliest pixelated images to the stunning photorealism of today’s games. Brown’s ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible way makes this video a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology.




  • "The Story of Doom" (2017):

    • "Doom" is one of the most iconic first-person shooters ever made, and this video tells the story of its creation, impact, and enduring legacy. Brown delves into the cultural phenomenon that "Doom" became, offering insights into why it continues to be a touchstone in gaming history. The video is a perfect blend of technical analysis and cultural commentary.




  • "Polybius: The Game That Doesn't Exist" (2017):

    • One of Ahoy’s most popular and talked-about videos, this documentary explores the urban legend of "Polybius," a mysterious arcade game rumoured to cause psychological effects in players. Brown’s investigation into the myth is masterful, blending history, speculation, and eerie storytelling in a way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.




Community Favorite: "Iconic Arms: The AK-47" (2015)

No discussion of Ahoy would be complete without mentioning the "Iconic Arms" series, and the video on the AK-47 is a standout. In this video, Brown explores the history of the AK-47, its cultural significance, and its representation in video games. It’s a fascinating look at how a single piece of military hardware became an icon, both in the real world and in the digital realms of gaming. The video is a community favourite for its in-depth analysis and the way it ties together historical and cultural threads.




The Four-Byte Burger: A Symbol of Digital Ingenuity

One of the more unusual but deeply fascinating topics covered by Ahoy is the "Four-Byte Burger," which Stuart Brown discusses in his video "A Brief History of Graphics." The "Four-Byte Burger" is an early piece of computer art, representing a hamburger created using only 4 bytes of data—just 32 bits.


When this artwork was created, computer memory and processing power were extremely limited. Despite these constraints, early digital artists and programmers managed to create recognizable images like the "Four-Byte Burger." This piece of art is not just a quirky footnote in the history of computer graphics but also a testament to the ingenuity of early digital pioneers. It’s a symbol of how creativity can flourish even within the strictest of limitations and a reminder of the humble beginnings from which modern digital art has evolved.




Why Ahoy Deserves Your Attention

Ahoy Logo by Stuart Brown

Ahoy is not just a YouTube channel—it’s a masterclass in how to create compelling, informative, and visually stunning content. Stuart Brown’s unique approach to video essays makes each upload a treat for anyone interested in video games, history, or technology. Whether you’re drawn in by the minimalist art style, the meticulously researched content, or Brown’s soothing narration, there’s something in Ahoy’s catalogue for everyone. For those of us who are fans, Ahoy is more than just a source of entertainment—it’s a source of inspiration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of gaming history.


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