BREAKING: Energy Bills to Rise as Ofgem Increases Price Cap

Energy prices are set to rise even higher this April under energy watchdog Ofgem’s new price cap. Ofgem said the increase of 6.4% will see the average household bill rise by £111 annually, or £9.25 a month, over the three-month period of the price cap. For a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales, the increase means the total average bill will rise from £1,738 to £1,849. With Ofgem changing their price cap for households every three months, this new price cap will run from April 1st until July.

"We know that no price rise is ever welcome, and that the cost of energy remains a huge challenge for many households," Ofgem Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley said. He added that those worried about paying their energy bills should reach out to their supplier: "Where possible, switching or fixing tariffs now could also help to bring costs down and provide certainty over coming payments," he said.

The latest increase in the price cap marks the third consecutive time costs have risen in recent quarters, coming as a blow to Labour's election promise of reducing bills by "up to £300 by 2030."

This is a huge increase for people who may be struggling with the current energy prices and may have an impact on their lives. Elderly people who have money worries and are currently going without heating to save their money will use their heating even less after hearing about the new increase for the next price cap.

Keeping warm is extremely important on the wellbeing of the elderly and to add the strain of another price increase will mean even more vulnerable elderly individuals will become wary to use their heating. This could increase the risk of become ill with colds, infections, and heart problems leading to hospitalisation and the more elderly people being taken ill will lead to another strain on hospitals not having enough beds for ill patients.

That’s why Homelium started the Caring Through the Cold campaign that has been running since the start of the year to make sure no elderly person should have to worry about being cold during these cold, dark months. Throughout this period, we have handed out over 150 blankets to our vulnerable clients to give them an extra added layer of not only warmth, but the feeling they are being supported through this tough time.

Not only have we been giving extra support throughout this cold period, but we will continue to give extra support to all of our clients who are worried or anxious due to the rise in heating costs.

As well as keeping our elderly clients warm with blankets, but we have supplied our clients and their families with help and practical advice on how to stay warm, maintain good health, and create cosy home environments during the colder season.

If you would like to get involved with our Caring Through the Cold campaign, contact marketing@homelium.com or call 0333 3448 677 on how you can help and to keep updated with our campaign, follow us on our social media.