The government has been accused of being 'missing in action' as news of a 'terrifying' new energy price rise was announced.
Energy regulator Ofgem today announced that the energy price cap will increase from the current £1,971 to £3,549 from October 1, regulator Ofgem has announced. The energy regulator currently updates its price cap twice a year - in April and October. But now, the regulators will review the cap every January, April, July and October.
The current price cap was last adjusted in April this year, rising from £1,277 to £1,971 per year on average. Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has previously warned that Britain will face a dire winter as the prices continue to spiral.
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While many will be terrified of their incoming energy bills, there was a notable absence of government ministers on today's broadcast television rounds. Normally ministers will appear on the major news programmes to discuss the big issues of the day.
Many were shocked to see no government figure responding to the huge, worrying news. ITV News reporter Paul Brand said: "No government minister and no Liz Truss supporting MP on the morning round today to help the country understand how it is going to pay its energy bills. You do get the sense there is a tumbleweed blowing across the office floor in Westminster."
The Guardian's political editor Pippa Crerar added: "Would’ve thought it might be a good idea for a government minister to be on the airwaves this morning."
Wirral Council leader Janette Williamson tweeted: "Strikes, fuel and food poverty on a catastrophic scale, a Government missing in action. They've had their fun, sold off the country to their mates, feathered their nests. An utter disgrace."
Liverpool MPs Paula Barker and Kim Johnson both called for an immediate energy price freeze. Ms Barker said: "The energy price cap rise simply cannot be allowed to go ahead. The Government must act to freeze the cap now. It's in times of crisis when the folly of privatisation is exposed for what it is. It's time to bring energy back under public control."
Ms Johnson added: "Energy price "cap" set to rise 80% on 1 October, raising average bills from £1971/year to £3,549/year. This is totally unaffordable for most people: we need a price freeze now, to avoid people freezing this winter."
"The energy price cap rise simply cannot be allowed to go ahead. The Government must act to freeze the cap now. It's in times of crisis when the folly of privatisation is exposed for what it is. It's time to bring energy back under public control."
One person who did appear on TV to discuss the worrying news today was Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis appeared on Good Morning Britain this morning after a huge energy price cap hike that will leave millions of households devastated was confirmed.
Energy prices will soar by 80% from October 1, regulator Ofgem has announced. The energy regulator says the idea of reviewing its price cap more often is so energy companies can provide more accurate pricing for customers.
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