Millions of households set to learn extent of coming energy bills increase

Millions of households will discover on Thursday how much their energy bills will rise this spring after the regulator brought forward its announcement of the new price cap.

Ofgem will reveal what is expected to be an increase of up to 50% to the price cap for gas and electricity, adding around £700 to bills and taking annual costs to around £2,000 on average for up to 22 million households on variable rates.

The announcement, which will coincide with a decision from the Bank of England on whether to further raise interest rates, comes as the Treasury finalises plans to offset the price increases for consumers.

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A £6bn loan scheme that would see up to £200 distributed to every household directly by energy companies is understood to have been identified as the Treasury’s favoured mechanism for offsetting the increase in bills.

Energy providers are still waiting to hear more about the scheme, first reported in detail by The Times, with some still unclear how it will operate, how and when loans will be repaid and how long support will be in place.

The emergency measure is a response to a spike in wholesale gas prices that remain four times higher than a year ago, but prices are expected to stay high for at least 18 months and a further increase to the price cap in October is forecast.

The new price cap will come into force on 1 April and run for six months, after which the next review is forecast to add another £400 to bills as a consequence of a sustained rise in wholesale gas prices.

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Analysts at Cornwall Insights predict the price cap, based in part on the previous six months’ energy prices, will reach a typical £1,915 in April, rising to £2,329 from October.

Last spring, a typical dual-fuel bill was capped at just over £1,000.

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As well as universal support for all bill payers, the government is expected to bring forward targeted measures for the most vulnerable households, perhaps by increasing the value and reach of the existing Warm Homes Discount.

Around 22 million households are currently thought to be on an energy deal which is linked to the price cap.

Energy price rises are just one of a range of pressures on the cost of living.

Inflation has reached 5.4%, almost three times the Bank of England target, and interest rates are expected to rise further this year.

The Health and Social Care Levy will mean higher National Insurance payments from April, when the annual increase in council tax bills will also take effect.

Philippe Commaret, managing director of customers at supplier EDF, said: “Ballooning wholesale gas prices are driving energy bills up and customers need government to act now, especially to support those most in need.

“We look forward to hearing from government urgently on how it will help struggling households beyond the support energy companies already provide.

“Delaying action adds to the stress and anxiety households face.”

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