Commenting on today’s price cap rise, Energy UK’s Deputy Director, Policy (Customers), Ned Hammond said:
“This rise in the price cap ahead of winter will be concerning news for millions of energy customers already struggling with bills.
“While high wholesale energy costs continue to be the main factor driving energy bills, on this occasion the rise is partly down to the added cost of financial support to customers through the expansion of the Warm Home Discount to an extra 2.7 million households.
“At a time when customer debt is at a record £4 billion, the extra support this will provide is much needed. However, this is only an interim solution, with the level of support still insufficient for those that need it most. The Government needs to make swift progress to improve targeting and design an enduring support scheme that effectively addresses fuel poverty.
“This must be accompanied by a relentless effort to reduce energy bills at source. As we continue to stress, there are ways to bring down bills for everyone, while enhancing support for those customers most in need*.”
*For more details on Energy UK’s proposals to cut bills read: “How to Cut Bills: A crisis that can’t be ignored.” Energy UK has also published this briefing explaining in more detail the factors behind today’s price cap rise.