Fuel price rises: We must stop millions of UK families going into #FuelPoverty

Energy Prices are Increasing

In February, the energy regulator Ofgem announced a record 54% increase to the energy price cap to take effect from April. This was followed by a prediction from Ofgem in May, that the price cap would hit a record £2,800/year for the average customer in October. This led to the UK Government announcing financial support for households, including £400 for all electricity customers, and deeper support for vulnerable households. 

 Analysts now say (in August) that the October price cap could be as high as £3500/year for the average customer in October, and rise again to £4200 in January,

Fuel Poor Households Will be Hit Hard

Our research suggests that 6.5 million households across the United Kingdom are currently in fuel poverty in April, 2 million more than just a year ago. Sadly, with Ofgem set to increase the level of the price cap twice in the next few months, this number will only increase On top of record increases in energy bills, historically high levels of inflation, higher rents and fuel prices mean millions of families are now struggling to afford the basics they need to live their lives and raise their children. Analysts say that high prices will outlast this winter, so the UK Government must take action not only in the short term, but also with the future in mind. 

The UK Government has Taken Action, But it is Not Enough

We recognise that the Government has introduced a significant package of measures in May, however this was based on a now dated estimate of the price cap, and the reality will be much worse than expected.

We are calling on the Government to:

• Completely mitigate the difference between the expected level of the October price cap in May and what it turns out to be, for the most vulnerable households. Additional, universal support will also be needed,
  
• Develop a social tariff that is additional to current energy market protections, providing a below cost energy price to low-income households
• Help to clear utility debts through starting a payment matching scheme, matching every pound that a household makes towards their utility debt repayments.
• Increase funding to help low income households make their homes more energy efficient so that they are better protected from high prices in the longer term. 

For more information...

We have plenty more information and detail available on our energy crisis webpages - https://www.nea.org.uk/energy-crisis/​