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UK household energy bills are set to increase by £149 starting in October, according to the latest price cap set by industry regulator Ofgem. For households consuming an average amount of gas and electricity, the annual bill will rise to £1,717. This represents a 10% increase compared to the previous year, translating to approximately £12.42 more per month. Ofgem attributed this rise to heightened geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events, which have driven up the cost of wholesale electricity.
Although the new price cap remains lower than the rates seen during the winter of 2023, the increase will affect 27 million homes across England, Wales, and Scotland. This change comes amid the withdrawal of certain government supports for energy bills. Notably, Downing Street has announced that winter fuel payments will be suspended for 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, criticized the decision, stating, "Heating and electricity bills will rise again this winter. Energy companies will continue to amass substantial profits while working families and pensioners struggle without their fuel allowance. These are the wrong choices when there is a compelling argument for taking energy out of the hands of profiteers and managing it ourselves."
The rise in energy bills is expected to place further financial pressure on households, especially as support measures are reduced. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the affordability of energy and the broader impacts on vulnerable groups, including the elderly. The debate over energy management and profit distribution continues as the UK faces these escalating costs.
