Energy bills will rise again in January, despite hopes that UK households could see lower bills in the new year, according to new predictions. The latest forecast of the Ofgem energy price cap show an increase to bills for people across the country. Energy consultancy Cornwall Insight said it expects Ofgem to reveal on Friday that the typical household’s energy bill will rise by 1%, or £19, to £1,736 from £1,717 on January 1.
Cornwall Insight had previously predicted a 1% fall to £1,697, but said this was now no longer the case, coming as a blow after prices rose by 10% in October. Ofgem changes the price cap for households every three months, largely based on the cost of energy on wholesale markets, with the regulator confirming the level for the first quarter of next year on November 22. The cap does not set the maximum a household will pay for their energy but limits the amount providers can charge them per unit of gas or electricity, so those who use more energy will pay more.
Millions of pensioners are also facing a winter with less support, after the new Government decided to scrap winter fuel payments for those who do not receive pension credits or other benefits. About 10 million pensioners will miss out on the payments of up to £300 this year. Cornwall Insight said: “Given the price cap rise in October, many will have been hoping to see a fall in the cap for January.
“Unfortunately, forecasts show that prices will be staying relatively high for the remaind.