UK energy bills to rise AGAIN this winter with average households to pay £149 more a year

The average household energy bill in Britain will increase by £149 this winter after the regulator increased the price cap.

Ofgem has today announced that the price cap for the typical household in England, Scotland and Wales will rise by 10pc from £1,568 to £1,717, from October 1, adding around £12 a month to an average bill.

Ofgem said rising prices in the international energy market, due to heightened political tensions and extreme weather events, was the main driver behind the decision. The hike comes after the regulator lowered the cap, which sets the maximum unit price energy suppliers can charge, two times in a row this year.

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The new price cap will come into force from October and last for three months, meaning Brits face higher bills over the colder winter months.

Jonathan Brearley, the chief executive of Ofgem, said: “We know that this rise in the price cap is going to be extremely difficult for many households.

“Anyone who is struggling to pay their bill should make sure they have access to all the benefits they are entitled to, particularly pension credit, and contact their energy company for further help and support.”

He also urged consumers to “shop around” and consider opting for a fixed-rate tariff that could save people money. The regulator sets the price limit based on several factors including wholesale energy prices – the amount energy firms pay for gas and electricity before supplying it to households.

Despite the expected rise, average bills remain considerably lower than during the peak of the energy crisis, which was fuelled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A price cap of £1,717 a year would