Suppliers pile pressure on government over energy bills
Energy UK is urging the government to take immediate action to mitigate rising energy costs for households this winter. Forecasts suggest a significant price hike in January, potentially worsening the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs directly impact household disposable income and economic stability, making this a critical political and social issue.
Image source, Getty Images By Kevin Peachey Cost of living correspondent Published 13 minutes ago The government should take immediate action to help those struggling with energy bills this winter, the suppliers' trade body has said.
Energy UK said domestic gas prices, which rose on Thursday, and forecasts of steep rises in January meant inaction would lead to a longer-term, more costly and deeper crisis.
Figures revealed by the BBC earlier this week showed forecasters predicting a 16% rise in domestic energy prices in the new year for 20 million households on variable tariffs affected by regulator Ofgem's price cap.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government was considering any measure that took the pressure off.
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