Energy chiefs fear 40% of Britons could fall into fuel poverty in ‘truly horrific winter’

Households are struggling to meet the extra cost of their heating and home energy bills Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

As many as four in 10 people in Britain could fall into fuel poverty when the price cap rises again this autumn, energy bosses have told MPs as they called for more government support for vulnerable households facing a “truly horrific” winter.

Michael Lewis, the chief executive of E.ON UK, said between 30% and 40% of people in Britain might go into fuel poverty from October when the industry regulator, Ofgem, is again expected to put up the annual limit on tariffs.