The energy price cap is set to fall to £1,923 from October for the last quarter of the year, Ofgem has just confirmed.
In a change that’s set to bring the average annual household energy bill to below £2,000 for the first time since April 2022, the energy regulator has just announced this morning that the energy price cap will once make a further reduction from October.
From 1 October – 31 December, the cap will be set at an annual level of £1,923 for a dual-fuel household, according to Ofgem.
The change could save households an average of £151 on the previous quarter.
Ofgem says the energy price drop – which is at the lowest level since October 2021 – “reflects further falls in wholesale energy prices” as the market “stabilises”, and as suppliers return to a “healthier financial position” after four years of loss-making following the COVID pandemic and amid the cost of living crisis.
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These energy price cap savings continue on the downward trend since prices peaked at £4,279, however, it remains well above the average before the energy crisis took hold in 2021.
The energy regulator has conceded that market unfortunately “remains volatile”.
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Ofgem lowers energy price cap to £1,923 from October / Credit: Pxhere
Alongside changes to the energy price cap, Ofgem has also announced measures to reduce costs for prepayment meter customers this morning – which is says ensures “extra support” for those struggling and most at-risk of being “disconnected” from the network.
Ofgem’s announcement of the lowering of the energy price cap comes within the same week that a shocking new survey by Which? found that nearly nine in 10 (85%) British households admitted to trying to cut back on their energy usage due to rising bills putting significant financial, physical, and emotional strains on consumers.
The same survey also revealed that 13 million Brits didn’t put their heating on when it got cold last winter, claiming they were “too scared” to do so.
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Energy costs are dropping slightly for most households from 1 October. But rates will be incredibly high still, and we’re not getting the extra support we did last winter.
Which? also found that consumers in at-risk groups – including those in lower-income households, and those aged 45-64 years old – were more likely than others to not turn the heating on when it’s cold, which the consumer group said “clearly demonstrates” just how many people have had to make “severe cutbacks” to afford their energy bills.
Experts also claimed people may be “putting their own health at risk” in the process of trying to afford their energy bills.
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhillpic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
Some images bring back a glut of memories and emotions. There are times when it feels like we are all just a pay day away from this. Surely one of the most powerful tv performances ever.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
25th August 2023 
