Energy price cap: Martin Lewis warns ‘lives will be lost this winter’ as cap jumps to £3,549

From 3h ago

Martin Lewis: lives will be lost this winter without more help

Money saving expert Martin Lewis has warned that people will die this winter because they can’t afford to heat their homes, unless the government provides more support with energy bills.

Lewis tells the Today programme that the new price cap, from 1 October, is 37% of the new state pension. It’s a even bigger proportion for those who retired earlier, and for those on universal credit.

Lewis says:

This is a catastrophe, plain and simple. Unaffordable.

Ofgem’s Jonathan Brearley has effectively said that the crisis is now ‘out of our hands, and beyond our power’ when he called for government intervention this morning, Lewis explains, saying:

If we do not get further government intervention, on top of what was announced in May, then lives will be lost this winter.

Too many people to think about, because of these unaffordable, terrible, rises in energy bills.

Lewis also points out that the £3,549 price cap figure is an average for those on direct debit –- those with higher than average energy use will pay more, as will those on pre-payment meters.

There is nothing to stop somebody from paying ten thousand pounds a year, Lewis adds; he fears households with adults or childen with disabilities who need special electrical equipment could pay that much.

We are in an absolutely horrendous situation, and it is going to get even worse in January when the cap for somebody on typical use will move up to over £4,000.

<gu-island name="KeyEventsCarousel" deferuntil="visible" props="{"keyEvents":[{"id":"630893568f0876e20fe14ad7","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The energy price cap rise is just one in a stack of mounting problems which are hitting households, as our energy correspondent, Alex Lawson, reports from Leicester:

","elementId":"9085bd8a-ff1f-4ca1-b349-cfec8f55a7fa"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

A tear rolls down Shama Omar’s face.

\n

She is describing the pain of her disabled daughter’s death last year, after 29 years of attentive care. It is a familiar tale of delays and stretched health service resources.

\n

“If the GP had seen her on that day, my daughter would have not died,” she says.

\n

Now, she is surviving on one cooked meal every two weeks, deciding on whether to pay for council tax, food or water next. “I need to take cancer medication, which gives me hot flushes but I can’t afford to have the fan on all the time,” says Omar.

\n

“I had to think whether to spend £4.60 for the bus here, that could have helped me make meals for two days.”

\n

Omar is among the millions waiting to see what further support government may offer for energy bills. On Friday, the industry regulator will announce yet another rise in the price cap, pushing average household bills to an expected £3,500 a year from October. By January, two-thirds of households in the UK are expected to be in fuel poverty.

\n

Omar sits across the table in a snug booth within a community centre in Leicester. The facility is run by the the Zinthiya Trust, which was founded by a charity worker, Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, to alleviate poverty and provide support to survivors of domestic abuse.

\n

Its work is part-funded by the British Gas Energy Trust, which is increasingly working on helping its customers, and those of other suppliers, pay their gas and electricity bills, along with support in clearing debts and finding extra cash through benefits checks.

\n

","elementId":"784ffabe-6b79-4820-b3a6-2f2c6aacc7ac"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Here’s the full piece:

","elementId":"60797d34-edb3-4a69-a585-a251ce240157"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/aug/26/leicester-charity-on-energy-crisis-frontline-zinthiya-trust-price-cap","text":"‘I’m scared when anyone says winter’: shocking tales from UK energy crisis frontline","prefix":"Related: ","role":"thumbnail","elementId":"4c7cc4d1-b0d1-4c05-af8a-cb252cca3aa6"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661506390000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"10.33 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661507022000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"10.43 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661507022000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"10.43 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"10.43","title":"‘I’m scared when anyone says winter’: shocking tales from UK energy crisis frontline","contributors":[{"name":"Alex Lawson","imageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2022/07/04/Alex_Lawson.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=0a2753e67ed22ba4b5c32755d249728e","largeImageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2022/07/04/Alex_Lawson.png?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3398bbd57b8c8e39c78278bf7116ae5e"}],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630890688f080ba02dce78a8","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem’s chief executive, has warned that prices are likely to keep rising:

","elementId":"dd17b2aa-6d2e-45a7-943a-b3c1d39ec486"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

He told BBC News:

","elementId":"a2f11fe7-79bc-40b5-9883-3472997c6423"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

‘It is possible that there may be peace between Russia and Ukraine, that things may change and indeed prices may stabilise or come down, but it is more likely that prices continue to rise.’

\n

","elementId":"872f162d-a0ab-4d69-b57f-024b9cef5950"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.YoutubeBlockElement","id":"302f3715-6081-4c72-bd06-099a87862086","assetId":"Ono5MCif53k","channelId":"UCIRYBXDze5krPDzAEOxFGVA","mediaTitle":"Energy prices likely to rise even further, says Ofgem CEO – video","posterImage":[{"url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/79a74d606f004ba5a3adfc873761067b183d39c4/0_0_1920_1080/1000.jpg","width":1000},{"url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/79a74d606f004ba5a3adfc873761067b183d39c4/0_0_1920_1080/500.jpg","width":500},{"url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/79a74d606f004ba5a3adfc873761067b183d39c4/0_0_1920_1080/140.jpg","width":140},{"url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/79a74d606f004ba5a3adfc873761067b183d39c4/0_0_1920_1080/1920.jpg","width":1920}],"expired":false,"duration":28,"elementId":"630a35e3-ce4c-49fa-8046-f89db20ffeeb"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Brearley hasn’t given an estimate, but as we flagged earlier, consultancy Cornwall has warned average bills could surge to over £6,600 per year in April, based on current market prices.

","elementId":"7a9fe43c-21c5-438b-a344-775353cb03d1"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661505640000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"10.20 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661506780000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"10.39 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661505755000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"10.22 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"10.22","title":"Watch: Ofgem CEO says prices likely to rise higher","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"63087b0d8f08b9ef100e1c00","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

In a grim, shocking development, analysts are predicting that average energy bills will rocket to over £6,600 next April.

","elementId":"793c3bf8-821a-4f48-9ba3-ae9239a45850"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Energy consultancy firm Cornwall Insight, who have a good track record of predicting the price cap, have released new forecasts following this morning’s announcement from Ofgem.

","elementId":"70fc225f-55ca-4b25-b7d6-00af526b5091"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

They now believes the price cap will reach £5,386.71 in January next year, when the cap next changes, before soaring to £6,616.37 in April.

","elementId":"8f7f9b01-39bd-4a36-9418-3f455600b794"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Dr Craig Lowrey of Cornwall says UK bills are the victim of an unstable and unpredictable global market, and called for the price cap system to be reviewed.

","elementId":"35e2d8fe-7e57-49bd-9741-73e072bf6978"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

While there is still some time until the January and April caps are set, the energy crisis is showing no sign of abating.

\n

With every unprecedent rise in bills comes the need for greater reflection on the cap’s purpose and continued place in the energy market. Throughout the energy crisis, the government and Ofgem have remained committed to the cap, and in its ability to shield consumers from a volatile energy market.

\n

However, the cap was never meant to be a permanent solution, it was created for a different energy market than the one we face today and has not protected consumers from what will be incredible hardship this winter. We urge, as we have done previously, for the cap to be reviewed and mechanisms for protecting the most vulnerable, such as social tariffs, to be considered as viable alternatives.

\n

In the meantime, a key focus for the next Prime Minister and for Ofgem must be protecting consumers, and the wider economy from the impact of this rise. There are several avenues that can be explored including a review and expansion of the current support package of at least £400 per household.

\n

","elementId":"6c982931-a3d4-4ac3-b4a9-6b3d90327e16"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

🚨 Independent analysts Cornwall are predicting these numbers for the impact of cap on average household next year…

January 2023: £5386
April 2023: £6616

£551 per month… not far off an average mortgage of £700 pic.twitter.com/INousywtXm

— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) August 26, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1563049747354910720","id":"1563049747354910720","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"10bb54bb-3ab8-498d-9ef8-0a99bc347355"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

Actually probably the more pertinent thing about the Cornwall prediction is that for the whole of 2023 it is now predicting that bills will be around £500 per month for an average household…

It used to be a major news story when it reached a £1000 a year.

— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) August 26, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1563057334993096704","id":"1563057334993096704","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"9d784001-9269-43ba-b365-e8f6542877a3"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

Another way at looking at this is next year, the average household will pay more in energy bills than they do in income tax…

or alternatively, for that household, on £31k, a £400 per month increase in energy bills is equivalent of increasing basic rate of tax from 20% to 45%

— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) August 26, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1563060254232825857","id":"1563060254232825857","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"dd035688-8ed9-4f94-b3fd-04e992ee33ec"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

It’s right though, to be cautious about 2023 predictions. They are based on what Ive reported on – a frantic dash for gas to put into storage stockpiles, especially on the continent pushing /therm prices >£7. Some analysts sceptical about prices sustaining these ultra highs… pic.twitter.com/bjzfbxzY5z

— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) August 26, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1563063012436869122","id":"1563063012436869122","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"fbc2f7ff-be6f-4788-80d6-7fb1df0f33cf"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661500173000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"08.49 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661501061000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"09.04 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661501061000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"09.04 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"09.04","title":"Analysts: Typical annual energy bill could hit £6,600 a year in April","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"63087a6d8f088e8ce8eb0d9f","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, says the price cap rise is simply unaffordable and mustn’t go ahead.

","elementId":"412125c6-969f-4711-bdcd-25ccdd77e3ae"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

She adds:

","elementId":"5c0cc798-db39-4cbb-b2d3-0114133a7142"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

This rise must be cancelled, with the UK government and energy companies then agreeing a package to fund the cost of a freeze over a longer period, coupled with fundamental reform of the energy market.”

\n

","elementId":"3371ed61-4c9d-4fe6-ab22-01cf0cd19ee1"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

This is simply unaffordable for millions. It cannot be allowed to go ahead. This rise must be cancelled, with the UK gov and energy companies then agreeing a package to fund the cost of a freeze over a longer period, coupled with fundamental reform of the energy market https://t.co/bDXM7fDeyD

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 26, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1563045157532225536","id":"1563045157532225536","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"2b6e2ffa-f8ca-4ae1-bb7b-ef80f6316a17"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661500013000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"08.46 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661500139000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"08.48 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661500140000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"08.49 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"08.49","title":"Sturgeon: price cap rise cannot be allowed to go ahead","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"63086a158f088e8ce8eb0d17","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Money saving expert Martin Lewis has warned that people will die this winter because they can’t afford to heat their homes, unless the government provides more support with energy bills.

","elementId":"310f1255-c633-4171-8730-e4d1fc2f8317"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

","elementId":"1448cc7e-0fff-4412-86ba-51e13a69325c"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Lewis says:

","elementId":"5ea0f164-4c94-4f56-921a-f69a69dbc642"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

This is a catastrophe, plain and simple. Unaffordable.

\n

","elementId":"b38efc96-88db-4d5e-980e-dc85d2fd4f56"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Ofgem’s Jonathan Brearley has effectively said that the crisis is now ‘out of our hands, and beyond our power’ when he called for government intervention this morning, Lewis explains, saying:

","elementId":"b11e4917-57ca-4bc4-b67f-34fe2c8b58fb"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

If we do not get further government intervention, on top of what was announced in May, then lives will be lost this winter.

\n

Too many people to think about, because of these unaffordable, terrible, rises in energy bills.

\n

","elementId":"f30cf0e2-39d1-4c58-a5cb-df3c89518876"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Lewis also points out that the £3,549 price cap figure is an average for those on direct debit –- those with higher than average energy use will pay more, as will those on pre-payment meters.

","elementId":"574a1907-20be-4556-83fe-17abf378d1b9"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

","elementId":"0c51c9a5-152c-46e9-80fb-f89ed26cbc90"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

We are in an absolutely horrendous situation, and it is going to get even worse in January when the cap for somebody on typical use will move up to over £4,000.

\n

","elementId":"8ba7c770-5451-4e1f-86ad-ae76cdecc5bf"}],"attributes":{"pinned":true,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661495829000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"07.37 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661502466000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"09.27 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661496744000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.52 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.52","title":"Martin Lewis: lives will be lost this winter without more help","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630866c98f08b9ef100e1b80","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi says the government was “working flat out” to develop a new package of support for consumers.

","elementId":"6e28de9e-292d-4e4a-82b3-8d1143e9f1cd"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Responding to the 80% jump in the price cap, Zahawi says:

","elementId":"b04edce1-b1b0-4b08-8442-7db88806ee95"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“I am working flat out to develop options for further support.

\n

This will mean the incoming Prime Minister can hit the ground running and deliver support to those who need it most, as soon as possible.”

\n

","elementId":"918dbae5-9a3f-4b8d-8fcd-6bfd32e68b8e"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

Energy price cap for October up to £3,549.

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi says this will cause "stress and anxiety" for many.

No new support from this government, but Chancellor says he's working "flat out to develop options" for the next PM to introduce.https://t.co/7uKJgMY04G

— David Wallace Lockhart (@BBCDavidWL) August 26, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/BBCDavidWL/status/1563050895881154561","id":"1563050895881154561","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"ce0c0e63-ea07-46b0-b9eb-df259ab41d12"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

But six months ago, the government had a package of support ready to coincide with Ofgem’s previous price cap announcement. This time, the Conservative leadership campaign means millions of households must wait to see what help will be provided.

","elementId":"70720b7f-a5d1-4d0a-96dd-76fbd9023926"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

It’s also not clear if Zahawi will get to implement the plan – with strong rumours that Liz Truss would appoint Kwasi Kwarteng as her chancellor.

","elementId":"843bf6f3-b736-4f27-81de-6842ec79c845"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/aug/24/nadhim-zahawi-shortest-chancellorship-kwarteng","text":"Zahawi faces shortest chancellorship since 1970 – and may be glad of it","prefix":"Related: ","role":"thumbnail","elementId":"a2b44880-c216-423e-ada7-b83bc5c1a13d"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661494985000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"07.23 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661495412000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"07.30 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661495357000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.29 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.29","title":"Zahawi says he is working flat out on energy support plan","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630864a28f082fadccfc9946","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Ofgem is urging the next Prime Minister and their cabinet to provide “an additional and urgent response” to continued surging energy prices.

","elementId":"e8e23e0a-3089-47cf-bad8-7de1290cc511"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

In an admission that the scale of the energy crisis is beyond the regulator’s powers, CEO Jonathan Brearley says:

","elementId":"d1650dd8-ffe5-4c66-b36e-9bea9ded8a7c"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“The Government support package is delivering help right now, but it’s clear the new Prime Minister will need to act further to tackle the impact of the price rises that are coming in October and next year. We are working with ministers, consumer groups and industry on a set of options for the incoming Prime Minister that will require urgent action.

\n

The response will need to match the scale of the crisis we have before us. With the right support in place and with regulator, government, industry and consumers working together, we can find a way through this.”

\n

","elementId":"44725db4-57dc-4227-8683-7d53ee5df6dc"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661494434000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"07.13 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661494548000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"07.15 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661494548000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.15 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.15","title":"Ofgem: government must act to tackle rising prices","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630862c28f082fadccfc9932","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Ofgem acknowledges that surging energy prices will cause hardship in the months ahead:

","elementId":"c4b1a0c2-4ad7-430b-b3e6-3c09f8733679"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Chief executive Jonathan Brearley says he knows the “massive impact this price cap increase will have on households across Britain”.

","elementId":"4b09e3a2-0bb1-4829-9a33-e6d044d2b3c5"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

I talk to customers regularly and I know that today’s news will be very worrying for many.

\n

","elementId":"bbf1daaa-a91f-449e-8efe-8fa9e6614963"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Brearley points the blame at Moscow, for squeezing gas supplies to Europe, driving up wholesale prices:

","elementId":"e1f1a6ba-7738-4621-8cc4-62dc31d94721"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“The price of energy has reached record levels driven by an aggressive economic act by the Russian state.

\n

They have slowly and deliberately turned off the gas supplies to Europe causing harm to our households, businesses and wider economy. Ofgem has no choice but to reflect these cost increases in the price cap.

\n

","elementId":"d5cbdf7a-a2b7-4247-8d33-4b3d0d7304a4"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661493954000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"07.05 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661494431000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"07.13 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661494431000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.13 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.13","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"6308635e8f08b9ef100e1b56","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

As well as lifting the price cap by 80%, Ofgem has also today strengthened the rules around direct debits to ensure suppliers set them at the right level.

","elementId":"52fb9000-aa7a-4d58-a3f4-a240d584b2da"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

This should meaning that customers only pay exactly what they need to, the regulator says, adding:

","elementId":"30543156-34df-47a2-a75a-b65992045832"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

The changes will stop suppliers from building up excessive customer credit balances and using them in a risky way as working capital.

\n

","elementId":"09a64561-af12-49e2-b7e4-02206e5aa658"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661494110000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"07.08 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661494251000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"07.10 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661494252000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.10 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.10","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630863078f08b9ef100e1b4f","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Ofgem also warns that the market for gas in winter means that “prices could get significantly worse through 2023”.

","elementId":"dd13803c-395e-49ce-a304-c8d8a2e332ea"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

It isn’t giving price cap projections for January, when the cap will next change, “because the market remains too volatile”.

","elementId":"7c9b4bca-1f58-4dd5-b80e-d006632688cc"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661494023000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"07.07 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661494092000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"07.08 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661494092000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.08 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.08","title":"Ofgem: prices could get significantly worse through 2023","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"63085e748f082fadccfc9921","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Newsflash: the energy price cap will increase to £3,549 per year for dual fuel for an average British household, from 1 October.

","elementId":"5ef1181a-2975-4269-917a-98dd572503c6"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

As feared, Ofgem has hiked the current price cap by 80%, up from £1,971 at present.

","elementId":"40a13cd3-c9d3-4f33-ba2b-dd91903c0fc3"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The regulator says:

","elementId":"779883ea-47ba-47f0-add0-96262f25ed92"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

The price cap, as set out in law, puts a maximum per unit price on energy that reflects what it costs to buy energy on the wholesale market and supply it to our homes. It also sets a strict and modest profit rate that suppliers can make from domestic energy sales.

\n

However, unlike energy producers and extractors, most domestic suppliers are currently not making a profit.

\n

","elementId":"489e2927-2f62-4208-a340-78fda463c68d"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The move will intensify the UK’s cost of living crisis, with inflation already over 10%, and add to pressure on the government to announce a new package of support.

","elementId":"4304e08a-eb6a-40e8-bff5-df5ab39fb30d"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Details and reaction to follow…

","elementId":"77d0a98e-d173-49f0-a934-686991862ec6"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661492852000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"06.47 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661497667000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"08.07 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661493719000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"07.01 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"07.01","title":"Ofgem lifts Britain’s energy price cap by 80%","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"6308544d8f088e8ce8eb0c49","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement","media":{"allImages":[{"index":0,"fields":{"height":"3328","width":"4992"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/4992.jpg"},{"index":1,"fields":{"isMaster":"true","height":"3328","width":"4992"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg"},{"index":2,"fields":{"height":"1333","width":"2000"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/2000.jpg"},{"index":3,"fields":{"height":"667","width":"1000"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/1000.jpg"},{"index":4,"fields":{"height":"333","width":"500"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/500.jpg"},{"index":5,"fields":{"height":"93","width":"140"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/140.jpg"}]},"data":{"alt":"British Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership candidate Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at the Holiday Inn Norwich North last night","caption":"British Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership candidate Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at the Holiday Inn Norwich North last night","credit":"Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA"},"displayCredit":true,"role":"inline","imageSources":[{"weighting":"inline","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3229babad7455d5c547f08c4681dac1b","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=f30131ec0d4a0984fcf5fe65587b911b","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3b85564c944b03326341d73cc7171721","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=36c40e3011e8290f4f57cdf08a9505db","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=91a9627c0332118cd8321c87b1c868cc","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=fa69e423a8182fcd1bb34a0c3c1f1c9f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"thumbnail","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=39ebe212e0e9ddc9040f4eb083288e35","width":140},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=140&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=13c9edde65981b035ee5d38a3a112d81","width":280},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=120&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=f0c67d37594235d97d833ce4e30c9180","width":120},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=120&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=dfb1d4ca082dc6e862219836fa552fa3","width":240}]},{"weighting":"supporting","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=380&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=177980bccd4c02b6c5726fe256398065","width":380},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=380&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=05c8c7b28de662fc290d2153282a1010","width":760},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=a587be52b0799a6db5743d5c2263b58e","width":300},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=3b55430ad00f4e2563d1a8fb173242d0","width":600},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3229babad7455d5c547f08c4681dac1b","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=f30131ec0d4a0984fcf5fe65587b911b","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3b85564c944b03326341d73cc7171721","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=36c40e3011e8290f4f57cdf08a9505db","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=91a9627c0332118cd8321c87b1c868cc","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=fa69e423a8182fcd1bb34a0c3c1f1c9f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"showcase","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=860&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=620db486898c4e270030c10566d2cf97","width":860},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=860&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=26aa6758ff67af206734bea6f3ec84c5","width":1720},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=780&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3199f990f1cad6797f2a646921cd88f7","width":780},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=780&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=f012b2cd28a5861065f00130501f5f90","width":1560},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3229babad7455d5c547f08c4681dac1b","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=f30131ec0d4a0984fcf5fe65587b911b","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3b85564c944b03326341d73cc7171721","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=36c40e3011e8290f4f57cdf08a9505db","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=91a9627c0332118cd8321c87b1c868cc","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=fa69e423a8182fcd1bb34a0c3c1f1c9f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"halfwidth","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3229babad7455d5c547f08c4681dac1b","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=f30131ec0d4a0984fcf5fe65587b911b","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3b85564c944b03326341d73cc7171721","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=36c40e3011e8290f4f57cdf08a9505db","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=91a9627c0332118cd8321c87b1c868cc","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=fa69e423a8182fcd1bb34a0c3c1f1c9f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"immersive","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=1900&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=16676bb89da0d0d41d4d2d5aabd55a5f","width":1900},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=1900&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2c3ba34bb6b685793b030d192d8afab4","width":3800},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=1300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=cdd8378fbca430045c0c4a278fbd0268","width":1300},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=1300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=ee4c9ea4925f0d639c396b9338bf9379","width":2600},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=1140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=2c5b4ccb38e96bc92f309ad7779b01b8","width":1140},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=1140&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=c9acc5802b0a9a2c74abb1f1bc286591","width":2280},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=980&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=dce75ceece4415de37f35bde449c04c0","width":980},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=980&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=63adba76e12153330b113ac4c5700dbd","width":1960},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=740&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=560f84de2626f4a438d5247f49d58a59","width":740},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=740&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=e222b64ae80c012480a81e0db9840f18","width":1480},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=660&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=54cd12eb271d7d549e814f063c8f4cf1","width":660},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=660&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=93c5ba614363ed570d0bf2b24df45ef8","width":1320},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=480&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=e8eb7832fb7086421c3aa7d655787abc","width":480},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef5cdddfc43a94c065e90af2fe4b128511ddd2a8/0_0_4992_3328/master/4992.jpg?width=480&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=13c4940599d09e3f047cbbb21c0e0e63","width":960}]}],"elementId":"2e71741f-c0b4-4ece-a61b-52d3d4d531e8"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Liz Truss, the front-runner to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister, has pledged ‘immediate support’ to help the hardest hit families with soaring power bills if she becomes prime minister.

","elementId":"622858e3-a128-426f-bc32-23ebee8c2690"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Writing in the Dail Mail, Truss (who has previously favoured tax cuts over ‘handouts’) says:

","elementId":"424902d7-53b3-4566-90d1-1e8621c24854"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“The impact on our cost of living is clear at the supermarket checkout, at the petrol pump and on our latest energy bills.

\n

“I know how hard it is for millions of Britons, and how grave concerns are about the consequences of today’s decision by Ofgem on the next energy price cap.

\n

“The rest of Europe is facing the same challenge, which will loom large as winter sets in.

\n

“If I am elected leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister, I will take decisive action on entering No 10 to provide immediate support, but will also tackle the root causes of these issues so we are never again in this difficult position.

\n

“To those of you feeling the squeeze, my message is clear: I will ensure support is on its way and we get through these tough times.”

\n

My immediate priority will be to put more money back in people’s pockets by cutting taxes, such as reversing the rise in national insurance.

\n

I would also suspend the green levy on energy bills, bringing down average energy bills by £153. This will build on the work already underway, such as the Energy Bills Support Scheme, which will see a £400 discount paid to consumers from October, and the £1,200 package of support for the most vulnerable.

\n

","elementId":"b4e707cc-562e-4c42-b26d-1ca03dcc0256"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

More here: Truss unveils plans to beat energy crisis: Tory leadership favourite ‘will give multi-billion bailout to hardest-hit families’ as price cap rockets to £3,500-a-year from TODAY and reveals she will hold emergency budget DAYS after entering No10 if she wins

","elementId":"0f8bc221-a348-4476-8856-26fd0c380896"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661491872000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"06.31 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661492409000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"06.40 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661492409000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"06.40 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"06.40","title":"Truss promises ‘immediate support’ to fight energy crisis, if she becomes PM","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630851278f082fadccfc989c","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement","media":{"allImages":[{"index":0,"fields":{"height":"2101","width":"3500"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/3500.jpg"},{"index":1,"fields":{"isMaster":"true","height":"2101","width":"3500"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg"},{"index":2,"fields":{"height":"1200","width":"2000"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/2000.jpg"},{"index":3,"fields":{"height":"600","width":"1000"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/1000.jpg"},{"index":4,"fields":{"height":"300","width":"500"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/500.jpg"},{"index":5,"fields":{"height":"84","width":"140"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/140.jpg"}]},"data":{"alt":"Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to the Juniper House housing development in Walthamstow, east London, to see how families will save money on their energy bills through the installation of heat saving measures this week.","caption":"Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to the Juniper House housing development in Walthamstow, east London, to see how families will save money on their energy bills through the installation of heat saving measures this week.","credit":"Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA"},"displayCredit":true,"role":"inline","imageSources":[{"weighting":"inline","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=217ea2f6ac43d8446ea4d5b22e3e88d8","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=9db4be3a27065b93eb4f3f1fb734b2dc","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=0fc7df19fcb66b24a228beb0e9a4a675","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=684b1d986a96c6de49c7c7a2faa36584","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3805cf1f8d1190cea5ca44009bc17c3f","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=0249f845b0a1dc4ff36899c6a0e49abc","width":890}]},{"weighting":"thumbnail","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=685f3cdb6a45e84ece9c1c2d953e4c7d","width":140},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=140&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=f8bc3f7092cf92108457337564a62c19","width":280},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=120&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=e5259b4a8308fc88a7e5ebfb866eb3ba","width":120},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=120&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=35864d4b1519e12f59278cb64c293f66","width":240}]},{"weighting":"supporting","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=380&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=d24b85d813f0525fcde7086c065e4d33","width":380},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=380&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=32259f043117b02b9da83822425d0930","width":760},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=1cdcdca6d216c8dd1445dd2d46880cda","width":300},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=7242cf984c204b56426580be02ce7f74","width":600},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=217ea2f6ac43d8446ea4d5b22e3e88d8","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=9db4be3a27065b93eb4f3f1fb734b2dc","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=0fc7df19fcb66b24a228beb0e9a4a675","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=684b1d986a96c6de49c7c7a2faa36584","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3805cf1f8d1190cea5ca44009bc17c3f","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=0249f845b0a1dc4ff36899c6a0e49abc","width":890}]},{"weighting":"showcase","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=860&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=62d7f78d831beff61f113ab0564bee53","width":860},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=860&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=ee1023a9e2954f83f64e76629917cba9","width":1720},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=780&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=9d0c21b1224d49ce73c11562febeef38","width":780},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=780&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=ba514a907fef41d35579e604124890e3","width":1560},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=217ea2f6ac43d8446ea4d5b22e3e88d8","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=9db4be3a27065b93eb4f3f1fb734b2dc","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=0fc7df19fcb66b24a228beb0e9a4a675","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=684b1d986a96c6de49c7c7a2faa36584","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3805cf1f8d1190cea5ca44009bc17c3f","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=0249f845b0a1dc4ff36899c6a0e49abc","width":890}]},{"weighting":"halfwidth","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=217ea2f6ac43d8446ea4d5b22e3e88d8","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=9db4be3a27065b93eb4f3f1fb734b2dc","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=0fc7df19fcb66b24a228beb0e9a4a675","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=684b1d986a96c6de49c7c7a2faa36584","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3805cf1f8d1190cea5ca44009bc17c3f","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=0249f845b0a1dc4ff36899c6a0e49abc","width":890}]},{"weighting":"immersive","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=1900&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=85e66a6d1b761d299b797c88e745e8d3","width":1900},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=1900&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=190bf64493e7a7cf45c975d0ad59e29b","width":3800},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=1300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=544e1e9754cf06cd6f1db9794137dbfe","width":1300},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=1300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=3e5caa3679b4521d8b2697eea6f64046","width":2600},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=1140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=fc06c3ec2f7033a5567fa543e4b70e8a","width":1140},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=1140&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=5f86fe6ceb961eed416651ddcae43f50","width":2280},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=980&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=1eca10d71f510e220d48551c47fafbd4","width":980},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=980&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=e32220fd9d283a994a137a89c2fde170","width":1960},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=740&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=dfa0c87d406ecb9b0875a53e72acc81f","width":740},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=740&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2cf79b76edc21d6c094d9bc93f70c8fd","width":1480},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=660&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=2291c58fc92404746a3f66cad15937f3","width":660},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=660&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=3107cb1d3c4c21e8613a1a3024c42625","width":1320},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=480&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=d3be4bfa8bfe0bc13602f0b0c1dcd6ec","width":480},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ffaa6902666902e830998457f3875459fb680cea/0_128_3500_2101/master/3500.jpg?width=480&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=07cc064e1129afef27d53cd5bab33904","width":960}]}],"elementId":"ecf88e16-3259-4855-8210-c055f90bf811"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, has warned that the energy price cap rise will be ‘devastating’:

","elementId":"d5085bc3-1559-45d1-8f67-93890d384dc3"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“The announcement of a dramatic increase in the cost of energy bills is going to be devastating for people and businesses across the country.

\n

“Labour’s fully-funded plan to freeze bills and save households £1,000 this winter is a simple matter of common sense and fairness. We will not allow oil and gas giants to make record profits from the suffering of ordinary families and businesses. It’s astounding the government does not understand this.

\n

“As well as acting to fix the immediate problem, Labour will also bring down bills in the long-term by investing in sustainable British energy and insulating homes across the country.

\n

“The fact the government is absent at this time of national crisis is unforgiveable. Families and business owners are worried sick. Everyone is now feeling the harsh reality of the Tories’ failure. The country deserves strong leadership, urgent action and a plan for the future. Only Labour can give Britain the fresh start it needs.”

\n

","elementId":"1924644d-3756-43ec-9529-7ff323fb164a"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661491872000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"06.31 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661492028000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"06.33 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661492028000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"06.33 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"06.33","title":"Starmer: rising energy bills will be devastating for people and businesses","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"63085ab88f082fadccfc9912","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Wih pressure mounting for an emergency budget to tackle the cost of living crisis, stark data showed that Britons are already worried about bills this summer despite low energy usage compared with the winter peak.

","elementId":"0a030b8a-b6d3-49cc-80ae-bcc56a54e4dd"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

A YouGov poll showed about 40% of 1,700 adults surveyed have struggled with food and energy bills over the past three months. Around three-quarters of those polled said the government is doing too little to help those struggling with the recent rise in the cost of living, including two-thirds of Conservative voters.

","elementId":"74bebc1d-c1c6-43f5-bf69-fcb15d385778"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said:

","elementId":"211e370d-7704-425c-bf58-521293342655"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“The only people resisting measures to help people are the government. We wanted parliament to be recalled ahead of the [Ofgem] announcement but that did not happen.

\n

“We want an emergency budget. We want the government to say what they are going to do. This announcement is going to strike fear into the hearts of families up and down the country. Urgent action is needed. Everyone has come up with plans for action apart from Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak – the two people who can actually do something about it – who have been silent.”

\n

","elementId":"a4c693b7-0790-4bae-9388-c28c995525bd"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Here’s the full story:

","elementId":"b0668e75-cfc7-4c97-8f66-54155a73366a"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement","url":"https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/aug/25/energy-cap-ofgem-labour-calls-for-emergency-budget","text":"Labour calls for emergency budget as energy cap set to top £3,500","prefix":"Related: ","role":"thumbnail","elementId":"5db3e2a7-c82b-4d67-8c1b-efbacfb77966"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661491896000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"06.31 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661492009000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"06.33 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661492009000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"06.33 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"06.33","title":"Full story: Labour calls for emergency budget as energy cap set to top £3,500","contributors":[{"name":"Alex Lawson","imageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2022/07/04/Alex_Lawson.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=0a2753e67ed22ba4b5c32755d249728e","largeImageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2022/07/04/Alex_Lawson.png?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=3398bbd57b8c8e39c78278bf7116ae5e"}],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"},{"id":"630809748f088e8ce8eb0a37","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Good morning.

","elementId":"3e372238-b7d6-4a69-b65f-e1485be0f092"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The scale of Great Britain’s winter energy crisis will be laid bare this morning, when regulator Ofgem announces how high the price cap on bills will rise in October.

","elementId":"c34f3026-4cc2-42a0-9f6e-eabf56d0425c"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Ofgem is expected to approve a record increase, lifting the average annual dual-fuel tariff in England, Scotland and Wales to above £3,500 a year from October for the average dual-fuel tariff.

","elementId":"bfcbb9c5-49b2-4523-b70c-569617c9714b"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

That would be an staggering increase of 80%, from the current average cap of £1,971.

","elementId":"07765601-1686-412f-bf6f-2c13f445f4e3"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The surge in gas prices this year due to the Ukraine war, and Russia’s cuts to European energy supplies, mean households and businesses face very painful increases in bills.

","elementId":"b3ca83e6-b5ec-4262-8a0c-8f44183be50f"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement","media":{"allImages":[{"index":0,"fields":{"height":"378","width":"767"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/767.jpg"},{"index":1,"fields":{"isMaster":"true","height":"378","width":"767"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg"},{"index":2,"fields":{"height":"246","width":"500"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/500.jpg"},{"index":3,"fields":{"height":"69","width":"140"},"mediaType":"Image","mimeType":"image/jpeg","url":"https://media.guim.co.uk/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/140.jpg"}]},"data":{"alt":"The day-ahead price of UK gas over the last two years","caption":"The day-ahead price of UK gas over the last two years","credit":"Photograph: Refinitiv"},"displayCredit":true,"role":"inline","imageSources":[{"weighting":"inline","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=931283065dfba8b9de7d3c441adff26c","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=10948c077e363e06c8ec0e3446a71721","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=6733512ad22088ece039d95fab27c42f","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=78af6498ec30b85efab8e23a7cccd8c4","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=05db7eb1589fa5349f0972acc6feaf83","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2fbfeb19235059b9b6bc36fc24c3e42f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"thumbnail","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=9858bf24d4b4bdceacdfeb63482f1d1c","width":140},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=140&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=409bc20101f0b14a6a25dd2a6995efd0","width":280},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=120&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=1ea5814062eb51eae1590661d9c77daf","width":120},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=120&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=0cf413f6436c7335e6d388aa206feb46","width":240}]},{"weighting":"supporting","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=380&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=01e831bc7e1e2f4880ce76ede3201989","width":380},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=380&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=a8f41880ebf0b1a1e509d33a913b4306","width":760},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=9473f8d66acd7ad19871a76ce8ef4b9b","width":300},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=8c1751019e016fa1a4b1f6afa956fc8b","width":600},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=931283065dfba8b9de7d3c441adff26c","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=10948c077e363e06c8ec0e3446a71721","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=6733512ad22088ece039d95fab27c42f","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=78af6498ec30b85efab8e23a7cccd8c4","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=05db7eb1589fa5349f0972acc6feaf83","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2fbfeb19235059b9b6bc36fc24c3e42f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"showcase","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=860&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=21f90cd4ac58269fb60fc3dd3f2575fa","width":860},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=860&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=3a27ce03ab300bf6eca24842dc3dbfc5","width":1720},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=780&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=c4b452b6a82e48d2088d3ee2421981b4","width":780},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=780&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=cc82e1041beb0f3c4a01d245d6bef919","width":1560},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=931283065dfba8b9de7d3c441adff26c","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=10948c077e363e06c8ec0e3446a71721","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=6733512ad22088ece039d95fab27c42f","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=78af6498ec30b85efab8e23a7cccd8c4","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=05db7eb1589fa5349f0972acc6feaf83","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2fbfeb19235059b9b6bc36fc24c3e42f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"halfwidth","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=931283065dfba8b9de7d3c441adff26c","width":620},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=10948c077e363e06c8ec0e3446a71721","width":1240},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=6733512ad22088ece039d95fab27c42f","width":605},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=78af6498ec30b85efab8e23a7cccd8c4","width":1210},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=05db7eb1589fa5349f0972acc6feaf83","width":445},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2fbfeb19235059b9b6bc36fc24c3e42f","width":890}]},{"weighting":"immersive","srcSet":[{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=1900&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=516d009399cea0f8d846054811ac8e01","width":1900},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=1900&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=3ef6dc7b52b6710fb15e6026ca921917","width":3800},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=1300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=dada9c1820b738ecd55a9559026fe19d","width":1300},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=1300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=c610a93c934b7e1d0152d13467d80dfb","width":2600},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=1140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=17b963be4676a5a9c00ccb64fcb9ab60","width":1140},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=1140&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=3a97fcfbd909b411bca362958e6594e5","width":2280},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=980&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=7e76e731a94638e62f95d3653d1eff6d","width":980},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=980&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=4c607cd1d310dc9edc699819ba762d55","width":1960},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=740&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=c8bc90654bfba158f1758b5cb5f1999d","width":740},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=740&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=73d80d78dbad5cd9bdd2cb902aec4cc4","width":1480},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=660&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=83cc6f17fcaa49c495938e34160093d0","width":660},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=660&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=384f647710d6ed0f420e94e4228a55bc","width":1320},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=480&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=1acfe5e4387e5fa0e4d86383b15e0669","width":480},{"src":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/488a1936f5311cf9de99a569fa3a90d0ecf6d83b/0_0_767_378/master/767.jpg?width=480&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=381745bf8a9856a0435b35b0624e2c1b","width":960}]}],"elementId":"34a4c712-8baf-4c6c-a6bd-b5247a604897"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Millions more homes face being pushed into fuel poverty, while firms (who aren’t covered by the price cap) are warning that they will not be able to keep operating without help.

","elementId":"312974d3-2179-407c-ad82-9390fc1a2542"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Analysts predict that prices will keep rising in 2023 too. Cornwall Insight, the energy consultancy, have estimated annual bills will surge again to £4,649 from January to March, and £5,341 from April to June.

","elementId":"216cf992-36f2-4af8-91dc-2ac9abb2a4b5"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Other analysts have predicted even higher rises, as wholesale gas prices have soared in recent weeks.

","elementId":"47890b67-4a0c-4934-8a6b-67e5e0076ef4"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

This energy shock will need fresh government support, economists insist, on top of the cost-of-living package announced in May.

","elementId":"19bb8dfc-72e6-4726-956a-85fc9cb5c526"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

What can the Government do about soaring energy bills and the #costoflivingcrisis ? Read our 50-page new report here: https://t.co/2Ve7lTBV2c and listen to a useful summary from RF's @FryEmily here: pic.twitter.com/Zm6hRj2n1I

— Resolution Foundation (@resfoundation) August 25, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/resfoundation/status/1562903893465387008","id":"1562903893465387008","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"f29f858a-bdb3-45c9-a36b-947fbb571b18"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Labour have already called for an emergency budget, and a freeze in bills this winter, costing an estimated £29bn. It says the two candidates to lead the Conservative Party have failed to grasp the scale of the crisis, even though two-thirds of households, or about 45 million people, could be pushed into fuel poverty by January.

","elementId":"fae0039e-0b14-4d11-9cd7-c58ffc405395"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Rishi Sunak has promised to scrap VAT on energy bills and an as yet uncosted increase in help for households on benefits, while Liz Truss has pledged assistance “across the board” for companies and households.

","elementId":"f674309b-e6a5-48be-90c1-9e36bddae627"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

Chart of the Day: Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak’s proposals to help with energy bills fall short of what is needed, but there are issues with Labour’s plan too. https://t.co/kCnkxw1cIN pic.twitter.com/6xm0vR4G1j

— The New Statesman (@NewStatesman) August 25, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/NewStatesman/status/1562890164841504770","id":"1562890164841504770","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"dd482b3c-ee18-4b52-b272-47f15211ce38"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Yesterday, education minister Will Quince pledged there would be more support on top of Sunak’s initial energy package three months ago.

","elementId":"4492bf8b-9a19-40f9-9647-ae05100e3abb"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

“There is no question in my mind whatsoever, both listening to the two leadership candidates but also just looking at our economy … that the Government is going to act and put in place a further package of support measures,” Quince told LBC radio.

","elementId":"a8f5ed53-85e4-4143-bb56-2593602e9e14"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“Now, we will have to wait a couple of weeks for a new Prime Minister to set out their agenda alongside a new Chancellor, but both leadership contenders have been clear there will be a fiscal event and more help will be coming.”

\n

","elementId":"770770c2-732a-49b7-b801-261dd0859e85"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Ofgem’s announcement is expected at 7am.

","elementId":"6e8f4627-e7f1-402d-961f-179d9a88c1a2"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.SubheadingBlockElement","html":"

Also coming up today:

","elementId":"425f60a0-0c70-4242-8c5f-07e93153cba1"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

What’s said to be the UK’s biggest strike of the summer is taking place today, as Royal Mail staff hold industrial action in a pay dispute.

","elementId":"b0cb42f4-8f1c-4cdc-a4fc-288923b872dd"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

More than 100,000 postal workers are expected to take part, as the Communication Workers Union (CWU) pushes for a wage rise to reflect soaring inflation.

","elementId":"a2eb6737-ae57-4595-8220-ab2047c687ea"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

The CWU says it’s rejected a 2% pay rise, pointing out that:

","elementId":"a300464d-8b25-4c3b-8532-357fd7877f69"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement","html":"

\n

“In an economic climate where inflation looks set to soar to 18 per cent by January 2023, the imposition will lead to a dramatic reduction in workers’ living standards”.

\n

","elementId":"8c30705d-bba7-4f5c-bcdb-d2ca1c41b086"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

But Royal Mail says its deal is worth 5.5% (still below inflation), if workers accept new terms and conditions including more Sunday deliveries, as it tries to compete for more parcel delivery business.

","elementId":"ddb3af95-d60d-4756-b84b-1b8d8ae4f93b"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Central bankers are gathering in Wyoming for the annual Jackson Hole economic symposium, where the fight against persistent global inflation will be high on everyone’s mind.

","elementId":"3e4b1bd4-cac5-419f-b7e1-6e1b9dc1c36a"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

Jerome Powell, the head of America’s central bank, will give an eagerly-awaited speech at 3pm UK time. Investors will watch whether Powell reiterates the Federal Reserve’s stance of raising interest rates to cool prices, or hints at a pivot, as major economies slip towards recession.

","elementId":"16f05754-e610-45fb-be4f-b57e3b56ef11"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement","html":"

We think Chair Powell should send a "pivot" signal tomorrow, i.e. a transition to slower rate hikes going forward. The global economy is going into recession, led by the Euro zone, and growth is very weak in China. That will inevitably spill back into the US and slow inflation… pic.twitter.com/neDlNNwlgE

— Robin Brooks (@RobinBrooksIIF) August 25, 2022

\n","url":"https://twitter.com/RobinBrooksIIF/status/1562880972722343938","id":"1562880972722343938","hasMedia":false,"role":"inline","isThirdPartyTracking":false,"source":"Twitter","elementId":"c9c49017-70f2-4157-ac2e-ac5199c646a3"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.SubheadingBlockElement","html":"

The agenda

","elementId":"577d262f-3fd0-43e3-bb31-975a3851a28c"},{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"

7am BST: Ofgem announces UK price cap changes

7am BST: GfK’s German consumer confidence survey

1.30pm BST: US PCE index of inflation for July

3pm BST: Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell speaks at Jackson Hole

3pm BST: University of Michican’s consumer confidence index for August

","elementId":"caf0f3f1-890c-47ab-bb50-0cf89fe0ccc7"}],"attributes":{"pinned":false,"keyEvent":true,"summary":false},"blockCreatedOn":1661491872000,"blockCreatedOnDisplay":"06.31 BST","blockLastUpdated":1661491856000,"blockLastUpdatedDisplay":"06.30 BST","blockFirstPublished":1661491872000,"blockFirstPublishedDisplay":"06.31 BST","blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone":"06.31","title":"Introduction: Ofgem to announce energy price cap today","contributors":[],"primaryDateLine":"Fri 26 Aug 2022 10.43 BST","secondaryDateLine":"First published on Fri 26 Aug 2022 06.31 BST"}],"filterKeyEvents":false,"format":{"display":0,"theme":0,"design":10},"id":"key-events-carousel-mobile"}”>

Key events

<gu-island name="TopicFilterBank" props="{"availableTopics":[{"type":"ORG","value":"Ofgem","count":17},{"type":"GPE","value":"UK","count":14},{"type":"PERSON","value":"Liz Truss","count":5},{"type":"PERSON","value":"Jonathan Brearley","count":5},{"type":"ORG","value":"Government","count":4},{"type":"PERSON","value":"Rishi Sunak","count":3},{"type":"GPE","value":"Russia","count":3},{"type":"LOC","value":"Europe","count":3},{"type":"ORG","value":"Cornwall Insight","count":3},{"type":"ORG","value":"Labour Party","count":3}],"format":{"display":0,"theme":0,"design":10},"keyEvents":[{"id":"630893568f0876e20fe14ad7","elements":[{"_type":"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement","html":"