An energy cap rise this April could mean average families pay double the amount to heat their homes than they did earlier this year, fuel poverty experts have warned.
Figures published by National Energy Action (NEA) showed fuel bills have increased by more than £230 per year since last winter – and risk soaring by another £550 per customer within months.
Around 4.5 million households are experiencing or at imminent risk of falling into fuel poverty, research showed, forced to choose between eating and staying warm in winter.

From just £3 per week
“The cost of living in the UK is at its highest level in a decade with household energy bills the biggest driver,” said Adam Scorer, chief executive for NEA. “When the costs of essential services go up, those on lowest incomes get hit hardest.
“Bills have increased by well over £230 since last winter and millions now face a daily heat or eat dilemma. We estimate energy bills will rocket again in April, doubling the average householders’ heating bills since last year.”
UK energy bills rocketed just as the government cut universal credit by £20 per week, or £1,040 per year – double the amount families could soon see added to their fuel charges.