An immediate issue for households is the 2% increase that has now taken effect for millions of people in England, Scotland and Wales who are on variable tariffs. Those who have fixed deals will not be affected. The regulator and suppliers say people should investigate whether a fixed tariff saves them money and fits their circumstances.
Ofgem’s cap sets the maximum price that can be charged for each unit of gas and electricity. The increase for October to the end of December means a household using a typical amount of energy will pay £1,755 a year, up £35 a year.
Individual households can calculate their estimated specific change by adding £2 onto every £100 they spent on energy each year.
Higher bills are the result of extra financial support through the Warm Home Discount, and costs involved in matching the supply of energy with demand, which includes switching generators such as windfarms on and off.
Households can try their best to further safely manage their energy use during a colder and darker time of year, although that has been the norm for millions over recent years.