LONDON (AFP) – Spiking electricity and gas prices could force as many as four in 10 Britons into fuel poverty next winter and the government must offer more help, the sector warned on Tuesday.
Bosses of major United Kingdom (UK) domestic energy providers, appearing before lawmakers, urged the government to cushion the impact and prevent “horrific” fallout for millions who will spend a high proportion of income on fuel.
Britain is forecast to raise its cap on energy bills again in October for consumers who are not on a fixed deal with their supplier, having already imposed a massive hike in April.
The industry has been rocked by a vast spike in wholesale energy costs after the economy reopened from lockdown and on fallout from the Ukraine conflict.
Scottish Power head Keith Anderson said the problem would be masked by low demand in summer months – but this would change during the cold winter as consumers reach for the thermostat.
