Heat is on fuel bills

£35 jolt as winter looms

- BY GRAHAM HISCOTT Head of Business

ENERGY bills are set to rise by double the predicted rate this winter in a huge blow to struggling families.

Regulator Ofgem said its price cap will increase by 2% from October 1, pushing a typical gas and electricity bill to £1,755 over the next 12 months.

The cap on the price of units means the typical average annual dual fuel variable tariff bill is currently £1,720. Experts had forecast a 1% rise.