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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Sam Barker

Join us LIVE as we explain what rising energy bills mean for you - and how to cut costs

Join us today (August 11) at 1pm live on the Daily Mirror Facebook page

Households have been warned that energy bills could top £5,000 next April, according to a new shock forecast.

Consultancy Auxilione this morning said Ofgem could set its price cap at £5,038 per year.

A separate prediction from Cornwall Insight puts the price cap at £3,582 in October followed by another rise to £4,266 in January 2023.

With energy bills set to soar, consumer champion Martyn James will be joined by Mirror Money reporter Sam Barker today at 1pm to answer your questions.

They will explain what's happening with energy bills, why, and all the help available for people struggling with bills.

Join us today (August 11) at 1pm live on the Daily Mirror Facebook page

Even the most optimistic forecast is for the average price-capped energy bill to rise to £2,800.

Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley has said the October price cap will be "in the region of £2,800" - although this comment was made back in May.

More than 80% of British homes are now on energy deals limited by the Ofgem price cap, due to rise again on October 1.

What is the Ofgem energy price cap?

Despite what its name suggests, the price cap isn't really a limit on how much you pay for energy - but it does work a bit like that.

Instead, it sets a limit on the rates a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electricity you use.

It is now reviewed four times a year - every January, April, July and October.

Ofgem says the idea of updating the price cap more frequently is that it allows for more accurate pricing.

But critics say it also allows energy bill rises to be passed on faster to consumers on variable rate energy deals limited by the price cap.

More than 80% of the country now has price-capped energy deals.

Ofgem first introduced the price cap in 2019 and it is based on a number of factors including the wholesale cost of power in the previous six months.

What energy bill help is available?

Talk to your energy bill provider as soon as possible if you can't pay your bill - they might be able to put you on a payment plan or offer some sort of tailored support.

It's also worth asking them if you're definitely on their cheapest deal.

All the big energy firms have charitable hardship funds and grants that you may be eligible for if you’re struggling.

For example, the British Gas Energy Trust can be accessed by anyone - not just its customers - providing you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you’re over the state pension age, you may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, worth between £100 and £300 during the winter months.

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