Energy bill blow to 3.9 million homes

VULNERABLE households across the UK are set to fork out an extra £400 million to UK energy firms after failing to gain assistance through an extended price cap.

Ofgem data compiled by energy provider Bulb found that, while the energy watchdog’s prepayment price cap was extended to around one million vulnerable customers this winter, a further 3.9 million customers who need assistance will be stuck with pricey bills.

Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged to extend it for as long as five years for 11m households.

Ofgem has said that the cap is expected to save protected households around £120 a year on average. It means 3.9 million households, which includes customers on income-based or disability-based benefits, are missing out on potential combined savings of around £429m, Bulb said.