UK customers face ‘catastrophic winter’ as energy costs soar, says EDF retail boss

The average annual domestic energy bill is currently capped at £1,971, but this is forecast to hit £3,582 in the autumn. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

The UK faces a “dramatic and catastrophic winter for customers” as energy prices soar, according to a stark warning from the head of EDF Energy’s retail business.

Philippe Commaret, the energy firm’s managing director for customers, called for extra government intervention, including help for households to insulate their homes and a VAT cut for small businesses as prices jumped to record levels.