While Westminster descends into political chaos, marked by the resignation of the English Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Ofgem will confirm an expected rise in energy bills in less than two weeks.
In a letter sent to the current Prime Minister earlier this week, charities outlined four policies that must be in place by the time regulators announce the new price cap.
The signatories called for enhanced financial support for households this winter, including an improved Warm Home Discount and action on energy debt; completion of the break between electricity prices and volatile gas markets; expanded support for solar, heat pumps, insulation and electric vehicles, particularly for lower-income households; and a commitment to staying the course on clean power.
The letter also set out plans for introducing a Warm Homes Guarantee to ensure lower bills, provide independent advice, establish clear consumer rights, offer fast redress if energy efficiency installations go wrong and include protections for renters.
Recent polling for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit found that the cost of living was the top driver of voting intention overall and energy bills were the single biggest cost-of-living concern among voters in the recent elections.
Simon Francis, Coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said:
“Whatever happens in Westminster, the energy bills crisis will not wait, and neither can the households depending on the Government to act.
“In less than two weeks, households will learn how much their energy bills will increase. Ministers must set aside the power struggle and stay focussed on the day job.
“Before the end of the month, the Government must be ready with a package of support for vulnerable households and those in energy debt now, while urgently reforming electricity prices to bring down costs for everyone. Every day of distraction jeopardises any progress that has been made in developing such support and means households may not get the help they need.
“Longer term, Ministers must make sure that more households, especially those on lower incomes, can make the switch to clean electricity and feel the savings in their bills. That means breaking the link between electricity and gas prices for good, and rapidly expanding support for solar panels, heat pumps, insulation and electric vehicles. These reforms also require political drive to make sure they happen as soon as possible.”