UK Energy Bills Set to Rise 6.4% in April

The UK energy price cap is set to increase by 6.4% starting April 1, raising average household bills from £1,738 to £1,849 annually, marking the third consecutive hike. This rise, attributed to surging wholesale gas prices amid low storage levels across Europe, translates to an additional £9 per month for consumers. In response to the growing burden on households, the government is expanding the warm home discount program, which aims to assist approximately 6.1 million households facing high energy costs. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the need for a transition towards a cleaner, homegrown energy system to mitigate reliance on imported gas. Critics are calling for increased financial support for vulnerable households, highlighting the challenges posed by the volatility of international energy markets. Overall, the price increases reflect ongoing economic pressures and the urgency for systemic change in the UK's energy infrastructure.