Millions will be plunged into fuel poverty in the New Year with the poorest hit three times as hard.
Shock figures estimate that more than half of all households – 15 million people – will be left on the brink as energy prices soar to eye-watering new heights.
Despite projected bills of more than £500-a-month next year, there is still no meaningful help on the table from the Government.
Campaigners and charities last night warned how rocketing fuel demands and surging inflation could lead to a catastrophe the scale of which we have not seen for decades.
And calls are growing for a £45billion “energy furlough” scheme to support households.
Simon Francis, from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “Thousands of people will die this winter because of fuel poverty.
“Make no mistake, this is as much a national crisis as the pandemic.
“This government must wake up from its zombie paralysis and take meaningful action now to support households with cash.
“The alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.”
In October, the energy price cap will rise by a further 82% to £3,582, and further hikes next year could send bills soaring above £5,000.
York University research predicts that 58.5% of households in Yorkshire will be plunged into fuel poverty – where 10% of net income is spent on fuel – compared with 47.5% in London and 71.7% in Ulster.
