Struggling households need more help with bills, energy industry says
Energy UK is calling for increased government support for households struggling with rising energy bills, citing record levels of debt and unaffordable prices. The industry body suggests a new 'social discount' scheme is necessary as the energy price cap is expected to hit a three-year high.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts and climate-related demand, are creating a cost-of-living crisis that threatens the financial stability of millions of UK households.
Image source, Getty Images By Lucy Hooker Business reporter Published 15 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.
It added that bills were unaffordable for millions and a "better targeted and more agile" support scheme was needed.
On Wednesday, the energy price cap for October onwards will be announced by regulator Ofgem and is expected to hit a three-year high.
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