Energy Firms Want Government To Step In Over Winter Bills.....

I can’t see The Guardian article you are talking about but BBC are reporting that Energy UK (the leading trade association for the energy industry) have asked for:

A better targeted support scheme that takes into account someone's income, health and energy consumption.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2g5x7l4mko

Martin Lewis has been campaigning for a long time for a social tariff but it’s yet to happen.

Wars affect energy prices. Have you forgotten what happened to energy prices in 2022 and 2023 as a result of Putin’s war on Ukraine? You can hardly blame the energy companies. They didn’t start the wars. Megalomaniac world leaders did.

Ofgem cap what can be charged.

The three monthly cap is due to rise to (an anticipated) £1,725 on 1 October 2026 (from £1,663). It’s based on wholesale prices from 19 May 2026 to 18 August 2026.

The cap usually increases in October as companies compete on the global market to buy in winter supplies.

In 2024, the cap went from £1,568 to £1717.

In 2025, it went from £1,720 to £1755 (so it be lower this year).

Prices are pretty stable and, in any event, the cap isn’t necessarily what you will pay, just an average for a medium household.

I paid less than half that in the year to March 2026, less than £720 after £200 winter fuel payment is taken into account and that’s to heat a large house. I know I am a low consumer. My summer bills are more standing charge than unit charges. To that end, I am happy to see that my energy company has introduced a new tariff with lower standing charges. Higher unit charges of course but my sums (confirmed by MSE Cheaper Energy Club) tell me it will save me money.

Energy UK explains here what support is available from different energy companies:

www.energy-uk.org.uk/customers/additional-support-for-customers/

Thank you for that informative response, Graphite

Thanks, Cabbie.

This is Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus, talking five months ago about the effects of the war on Iran on energy prices:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBqOcOQTvoc

I heard something about this and it did seem to be saying that it isn't as well targeted as it could be. Benefits can be quite blunt instruments and very complicated.

The question seemed to relate to those who may need to put on a lot of washing or have poorly insulated homes, etc. However, if the washing is because of illness and they don't get it because of higher income, they may be getting AA and using it to cover these needs. AA isn't income related.

The complexity of the whole system means assumptions very often have a strand of the truth but not the complete knowledge.

Margs

......they have an enormous nerve!

They've used Trumps mess in the Middle East to whack up prices and now wag their finger at the government and demand they concoct a strategy to tackle customers who get into difficulties this winter.

If it's obvious to me that the Fat Cats own runaway greed is causing problems for customers, vulnerable or not, then should it not be obvious to them?

It beggars belief, truly.

In today's Guardian.

Could you direct me to that Guardian article please? I'm looking but can't find it.

There is no today's Guardian as it doesn't publish on Sunday. I think the BBC article I linked to above gives the gist.