StepChange responds to rise in energy price cap

^{23 November 2023}

Reacting to the news from Ofgem that the energy price cap will rise to £1,928 a year from January, Richard Lane, Director of External Affairs at StepChange Debt Charity, said:

“Today’s announcement from Ofgem that the energy price cap will rise by 5% from January is concerning, particularly considering yesterday’s Autumn Statement made no mention of further help with energy bills. Over the past two years, Government support has been vital in mitigating some of the worst impacts of the rising cost of living for households, particularly for those on low incomes.

“However, energy bills are still significantly higher than they were two years ago and, despite energy bills dropping slightly, the knock-on effect of these sky-high prices has led to a spike in energy arrears among our clients.

“We’ve joined several other charities and consumer groups in calling for energy debt to be written off for those who cannot afford to pay. The Government also committed to consulting on a social tariff on energy bills at last year’s Autumn Statement, which has still not materialised – a move which would protect those on the lowest incomes from fuel poverty.”