Warning as energy bills set to rise £240 next year

FAMILIES will have to find £1,360 to heat and light their homes next year, say experts.

The Energy Saving Trust has predicted that bills could rise by £240 next year for a typical threebed, gas-heated home.

The forecast is approximately six per cent higher than the record £1,277 price cap set by Ofgem for winter 2021-’22.The regulator said the increase, hitting around 15 million households, reflected surging wholesale prices.

The latest cap was set before unprecedented increases in global prices, which have seen more than 20 companies, including Bulb and Avro, collapse since September.

Customers on default tariffs paying by direct debit have seen

the sharpest jump in prices since the cap was introduced to protect them in January 2019.

The Energy Saving Trust is helping people understand what the price increases could mean and how to minimise their bills.

And as it revealed that using energy at home emits around 3,300kg of CO2 a year, it has suggested 12 simple tips to save energy and reduce carbon, which could also cut bills by £248.

Worried customers are encouraged to contact their supplier for support and to check eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which offers a one-off payment for heating costs.

Mike Thornton, the trust’s boss, said: “Rising energy bills are understandably causing concern for people across the UK.

“But the good news is, by taking small steps around our homes we can make a big difference.

“As well as protecting people’s pockets, taking small steps to reduce energy consumption will help protect the planet by cutting the carbon emitted from our homes.”

An Ofgem spokesperson said it is protecting millions of customers “from the sudden increases in global gas prices” but has “to look at the global picture”.