UK Government Plans £150 Energy Bill Discount for 3 Million Households

The UK government is proposing to expand the Warm Home Discount, potentially allowing nearly three million additional households to receive £150 off their energy bills next winter. This initiative aims to help families cope with rising energy costs, with the total number of eligible households estimated to reach 6.1 million, including almost one million with children. The proposals come as the energy price cap is expected to rise by about 5% due to global gas price spikes and the ongoing effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the government's commitment to protecting consumers from the impacts of volatile fossil fuel markets, while also highlighting plans for a debt relief scheme to assist those burdened by energy debts. The government is collaborating with Ofgem to accelerate efforts to reduce the financial strain of existing energy debts. The consultation on these proposals is a response to the predicted hikes in energy bills set to be announced soon.