The UK energy price cap is set to rise by 10% this October, increasing the average household bill to £1,717, adding £149 annually or £12 monthly, due to rising international market prices linked to geopolitical tensions and extreme weather. This increase comes amid a government decision to restrict winter fuel payments to pensioners receiving pension credit, affecting around 10 million older citizens who will lose this support. Labour MP Rachael Maskell expressed deep concern over the impact on vulnerable pensioners, while Age UK criticized the restriction as 'reckless and wrong.' Ofgem has urged households to shop around for better energy deals as the rising costs threaten to plunge 400,000 more households into fuel poverty. The price cap increase, although lower than previous peaks, is expected to exacerbate financial strain during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Energy Minister Ed Miliband acknowledged the worries this rise brings to families and pledged efforts to protect billpayers.