Households expecting £100 rise to energy bills

HOUSEHOLDS have learnt they are facing a £100 hike to energy bills in April on the eve of a 2% increase to Ofgem's price cap taking effect.

- JOSIE CLARKE wdp@reachplccom

Rising charges to operate and maintain Great Britain's electricity and gas networks, alongside a slight increase in a levy to support the next generation of nuclear power stations, are forecast to push the price cap to approximately £100 higher in April compared ‘with January, experts at Cornwall Insight said.

‘The news comes on the eve of a 2% increase to Ofgem’s price cap taking effect, pushing energy bills for the average household paying by direct debit for gas and electricity from the current £1,720 to £1,755 per year.

Cornwall Insight has predicted that the price cap will fall in January back to £1,725 a year for a typical dual fuel household, but has now suggested any relief will be shortlived. Calls for targeted social tariffs and other support measures are expected to grow as households face ongoing pressure on energy bills.