Energy customers are either on non-default tariffs, where they have made an active choice about their energy tariff, usually fixing it at a certain rate, or on default tariffs, where they are more likely not to have done so. Since 2019, the government has capped the price per unit of gas and electricity for customers on standard default tariffs. In 2018, the Department determined that bills should be capped following findings from the Competition and Markets Authority that 70% of customers of the six largest energy firms were on expensive default tariffs and customers were paying £1.4 billion more per year than they would be in a fully competitive market. The price cap limits the rates suppliers can charge for the standing charge (the portion of customers’ bills incurred regardless of the amount of gas and electricity used) and for each unit of electricity and gas used. It does not cap individuals’ total bills, which depend on how much energy they use. The price cap also does not cover the energy costs of businesses.33