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Energy suppliers urge faster government help for winter bills
Energy UK warned that inaction could worsen a crisis as domestic gas prices rose and forecasts point to a steeper January increase for households on variable tariffs.
Energy UK, the suppliers' trade body, urged the government to take immediate action to help households struggling with energy bills this winter, warning that failing to respond could create a longer, more costly crisis, according to BBC Business.
The group said domestic gas prices rose on Thursday and that forecasts indicate steep rises in January, with forecasters predicting a 16.0% jump in domestic energy prices for 20 million households on variable tariffs under Ofgem's price cap.
BBC Business earlier reported that England, Scotland and Wales households on Ofgem’s price cap faced a 4.0% increase at the start of October, which it said equals about £60 per year, or £5 per month, for a typical household using both gas and electricity.
The BBC also reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government was considering any measure that would take pressure off household bills, including as the bills could rise further if the new forecasts come to pass.