Energy bills in Great Britain will climb 4% from October under a revised price cap, taking typical household charges to the equivalent of £1,723 a year — the highest level in three years.
Key facts
- Ofgem's price cap will rise by 4% from October.
- Typical households will pay the equivalent of £1,723 a year.
- It is the highest energy price cap in three years.
- This is the second increase in three months, following a 13% rise at the start of July.
Millions of households in Great Britain will face the highest energy charges in three years this winter after the government’s price cap was raised for a second time in three months, according to the Guardian. Gas and electricity prices will increase by 4% from October, taking the typical annual bill to the equivalent of £1,723.
The regulator Ofgem confirmed the 4% increase for October, the BBC reported. The price cap sets a limit on how much suppliers can charge per unit of energy, meaning bills still vary depending on how much a household actually uses.
The latest rise follows a 13% increase at the start of July. According to the Guardian, that earlier jump was made to take account of soaring global energy market prices caused by the war on Iran.
The Guardian reported that the higher charges have prompted calls for more support for households heading into the colder months, when energy use typically rises.
The successive increases add to pressure on the government over energy costs. Guardian commentator Nils Pratley described Labour’s energy bills crisis as getting worse, arguing that political honesty is essential.
Why it matters
Energy bills are among the biggest costs households face, and a rise heading into winter squeezes budgets when usage is highest. The increase also raises political questions about how the government responds to affordability pressures.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the energy price cap rise in October?
Ofgem has confirmed the price cap will increase by 4% from October, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
How much will a typical household pay?
The Guardian reports that households in Great Britain will pay the equivalent of £1,723 a year under the new cap.
Why are bills going up again?
This is the second increase in three months. The Guardian reports the earlier 13% rise in July reflected soaring global energy market prices caused by the war on Iran.