Need to know

How high will energy bills be?

The average gas and electricity bill will increase by 54% – from £1,277 to £1,971.

Why is it happening? Wholesale prices have risen and energy companies aren’t allowed to pass these on to customers until the price cap is raised. This usually happens twice a year, in October and April.

So what can you do? Those living in council-tax bands A to D will receive £150 rebate in April but some of this will be swallowed up by the counciltax rises. Find your band at gov.uk/council-taxbands. Every household will automatically receive £200 off their energy bills from October but this is a loan and will be paid back at the rate of

£40 a year.