Ofgem confirms average household energy bills to rise by £94 a year from January
The average household energy bill will rise by £94 a year from January after Ofgem increased its price cap in response to rising wholesale prices.
The regulator announced it is raising its price cap from the current £1,834 for a typical dual fuel household to £1,928 from January 1, driven almost entirely by rising costs in the international wholesale energy market due to market instability and global events, particularly the conflict in Ukraine.
Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said: “This is a difficult time for many people, and any increase in bills will be worrying.
“But this rise – around the levels we saw in August – is a result of the wholesale cost of gas and electricity rising, which needs to be reflected in the price that we all pay.
“It is important that customers are supported and we have made clear to suppliers that we expect them to identify and offer help to those who are struggling with bills.
“We are also seeing the return of choice to the market, which is a positive sign and customers could benefit from shopping around, with a range of tariffs now available offering the security of a fixed rate or a more flexible deal that tracks below the price cap.
“People should weigh up all the information, seek independent advice from trusted sources and consider what is most important for them, whether that’s the lowest price or the security of a fixed deal.”
The energy price cap sets a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge households in England, Wales and Scotland for each unit of gas and electricity.
Energy in Northern Ireland is regulated separately.
The headline price cap figure is an average across households rather than an absolute cap on bills, so those that use more will pay more.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Well that drop in cost didn’t last long, did it. I wonder how much of the increase these companies absorb before passing the rise onto us? Privatisation of energy is one of the worst things this country has ever done.
Wales should bring Energy and Water under the control of its own people