Responding to Ofgem’s price cap announcement, Energy UK’s chief executive, Dhara Vyas said:
“Another price rise is unwelcome news when many are still struggling with bills and customer debt is approaching a record £4 billion.
“Today’s higher price cap is mainly due to an increase in how much we pay for the wholesale cost of energy – showing once again that Great Britain is too reliant on gas for heating and electricity generation which leaves us exposed to price rises driven by global factors.
“It is essential that we continue to take action to stop customers being at the mercy of volatile prices and unpredictable events in the future. By investing in our own sources of clean energy, we can ensure stable bills and avoid unexpected costs, as well strengthen our energy security. And by investing in improving the energy efficiency of buildings across the country, we can stop customers spending hundreds of pounds more than they should in order to live in warm, comfortable homes.
“If we don’t look to the future, we can’t stop the current situation repeating itself – but with bills likely to remain at this level for some time, we also need immediate action from the Government, working with Ofgem and suppliers, on making bills affordable for all and tackling the debt problem.
“So we welcome news of progress with the debt relief scheme along with the Warm Home Discount extension, which we hope is a step towards the comprehensive targeted bill support that is evidently required.”