Millions of British households are bracing for another hefty energy bill shock from January, as the industry regulator has announced a surprise 28p monthly hike in gas and electricity costs. The Ofgem price cap, which dictates the maximum amount suppliers can charge their customers, will rise to £1,758 for the quarter, up from £1,755 previously.
While energy prices have fallen in real terms over the past two years, households are not feeling the relief. "People may not be feeling it in their pockets," said Tim Jarvis, director general for markets at Ofgem. The regulator is urging customers to take practical steps to reduce their energy bills, but it's clear that many are struggling.
Bills for this winter are expected to remain about 50% higher than pre-Ukraine prices, leaving millions of households with a heavy burden on their finances. Energy debt in the UK has soared from £2 billion three years ago to £4.4 billion this year, with nearly 7 million people living in households that owe money to their suppliers.
Critics are calling for urgent action to tackle "crippling levels of household energy debt". National Energy Action's Adam Scorer argued that bills remain "impossibly high" and that the government must take steps to address the issue. The charity is urging the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to use the upcoming budget to help households struggling with energy debt.
Meanwhile, experts are warning that prices could rise again in April, with Cornwall Insight predicting a further increase to £1,815. Energy efficiency and long-term investment are being touted as solutions, but critics argue that these measures will take time to bear fruit.
As another harsh winter looms, millions of households are facing the very real prospect of struggling to pay their energy bills. The government must act quickly to address this crisis, and provide support for those who need it most.
While energy prices have fallen in real terms over the past two years, households are not feeling the relief. "People may not be feeling it in their pockets," said Tim Jarvis, director general for markets at Ofgem. The regulator is urging customers to take practical steps to reduce their energy bills, but it's clear that many are struggling.
Bills for this winter are expected to remain about 50% higher than pre-Ukraine prices, leaving millions of households with a heavy burden on their finances. Energy debt in the UK has soared from £2 billion three years ago to £4.4 billion this year, with nearly 7 million people living in households that owe money to their suppliers.
Critics are calling for urgent action to tackle "crippling levels of household energy debt". National Energy Action's Adam Scorer argued that bills remain "impossibly high" and that the government must take steps to address the issue. The charity is urging the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to use the upcoming budget to help households struggling with energy debt.
Meanwhile, experts are warning that prices could rise again in April, with Cornwall Insight predicting a further increase to £1,815. Energy efficiency and long-term investment are being touted as solutions, but critics argue that these measures will take time to bear fruit.
As another harsh winter looms, millions of households are facing the very real prospect of struggling to pay their energy bills. The government must act quickly to address this crisis, and provide support for those who need it most.
£1,758 is still way too much 4 many fams. they're already trying 2 make ends meet, but energy costs are just too high 
. energy debt is a huge problem & needs urgent attention from the gov 
. investing in energy efficiency makes sense, but it's not gonna help those who are struggling 2 pay now 
. I wish ppl wd get some support or at least a temporary discount 
. this winter is gonna be tough 4 many fams 
. Like, seriously, can't we just get a decent winter without the threat of our lights being cut off? 
The £1,758 price cap is not exactly making me feel like I'm getting a good deal here, especially considering how much my wallet's already crying. 
And don't even get me started on energy debt – £4.4 billion is just crazy 
.
. £1,758 is already a huge amount, but adding another 28p on top will just crush them 
. It's not fair that people are struggling with energy debt 
- we should be doing better as a society 
. Maybe if we all start taking small steps to reduce our energy usage, like turning off lights and electronics when not in use 
, it'll make a difference 
. But for now, let's just hope that the government can do something soon 
.
. And don't even get me started on the debt - £4.4 billion?! That's just ridiculous. What's gonna happen when it gets colder and we need more heat? We'll be in a world of trouble...
? like, a single really cold winter can add up so fast to those energy bills... my sister's cousin has a friend who lives in London and their bill is already over £2k a month for the whole house! that's just crazy. anyway, back to energy efficiency... i was reading this thing about how some people are actually building their own tiny homes using shipping containers as a way to save on energy costs 
. it sounds kinda cool, but also super impractical for most people. do you guys think we'll ever see a future where energy costs are affordable enough for everyone?
they just keep passing the buck and leaving us with the bill 