Energy UK says struggling households need more support with bills
Energy UK is calling for the government to provide more targeted support for households struggling with rising energy bills this winter. The industry body suggests a new social discount scheme to address record levels of consumer debt.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs and consumer debt are critical socio-economic issues that affect the standard of living for vulnerable populations during winter months.
Image source, Getty Images By Lucy Hooker Business reporter Published 23 August 2026, 00:00 BST Updated 48 minutes ago Higher energy bills this winter mean the government should step in to provide more help for households most in need, the body representing energy firms in the UK has said.
Stubbornly high prices over the last few years have left some people needing "emergency support" over and above the existing £150 Warm Home Discount, Energy UK said.
A "better targeted" support scheme that takes into account someone's income, health and energy consumption was needed, it added.
On Wednesday, the energy price cap for October onwards will be announced by regulator Ofgem and is expected to hit a three-year high.
A government spokesperson said that in addition to the Warm Homes Discount it was cutting VAT on electricity bills and would do "everything we can" to shield consumers from global energy shocks.
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