Brits to ration energy this winter as bills rise by £161 a year from today

In the face of soaring energy bills, which are expected to increase by up to £161 come Tuesday, nearly half of British residents are gearing up to cut down on energy consumption this winter.

Health concerns for the elderly and vulnerable are escalating as campaigners warn against Ofgem’s 10% price cap rise. The situation is further aggravated by the loss of winter fuel payments, which around 10 million pensioners are set to miss out on after Labour’s move to tackle a £22 billion deficit left by the Conservatives, despite the fact that energy companies have previously reeled in profits of £457 billion while countless households grapple with bill payments.

Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of the National Energy Action charity, expressed his concern: “Millions of households face another dreadful winter, resigned to increasing energy debt or not heating their homes. We find ourselves stuck in a predictable loop of increasing prices and inadequate support.”

He also highlighted the plight of the vulnerable due to the restrictive measures on winter fuel payment, stating “Whether or not wealthy pensioners should receive help with their bills, the decision to restrict the winter fuel payment puts the vulnerable ones at risk.”

Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition underscored the prolonged crisis: “We’re now heading into the fourth winter of sky high energy prices. After October 1, bills will be 65 per cent higher than in 2020/21, meaning the average household will have paid more than £2,500 extra for their energy.”

It seems this winter could go down as the costliest many have experienced, with the energy sector raking in a hefty £457bn in profit since the onset of the crisis. “For many, this winter will feel like the most expensive on record. The energy industry has made more than £457bn in profit since the start of the crisis, so there is plenty of money to be able to ensure everyone stays warm this winter and next.”

Pensioner Sheila Correll from Horncastle, Lincs, voiced her anxiety about the approaching cold season. At 81 years old, Sheila worries about her ageing heating system, which she cannot afford to upgrade, reports the Mirror.

She recounted her efforts to stay warm: “I’ve already cut back on everything. Last winter I used an electric fire in the front room. Older people shouldn’t have to live like this in 2024.”

Sheilas distress is mirrored by many as standard credit bills are set to increase by £161 to £1,829; direct debit customers face a hike of £149, amounting to £1,717.

A startling YouGov survey commissioned by National Energy Action highlighted that almost half of British adults plan to ration their energy use this winter, and a significant 27% struggled to pay their energy bills last yearwith the figure soaring to 45% amongst those earning below £15,000 annually. The NEA warns that the impending price cap uplift will plunge six million UK households deep into fuel poverty.

Nevertheless, Ofgem defends its stance, citing supplier difficulties tied to wholesale costs inflating due to “increasing geopolitical tensions and extreme weather driving competition for gas”.

Officials from the government assured citizens: “Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Many others will benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount and the Household Support Fund.”