Ofgem has today announced that the energy price cap will rise by 5% from January for the first quarter of 2024.
After the energy regulator brought the average annual household energy bill to below £2,000 for the first time since April 2022 with its last announcement back in August for the final quarter of 2023, Ofgem has just announced this morning that the energy price cap will unfortunately be rising once the new year rolls around.
The energy price cap is – which is updated every quarter throughout the year – sets a maximum that can be charged to customers for energy bills.
From 1 January 2024, the price cap will increase by 5% on the previous quarter to 31 March, which means that, for an average household paying by direct debit for dual fuel, this equates to £1,928 and a rise of £94 over the course of a year.
The 5% rise also means the average household could be spending around £7.83 extra on bills a month.
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The quarterly energy Price Cap will change from 1 January 2024.
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing the make its impact felt nationwide, the energy price cap increase is sure to mean thousands of Brits will be facing another difficult winter.
According to Ofgem, today’s price cap increase is driven almost-entirely by rising costs in the international wholesale energy market, and is due to “market instability” and “global events” – particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Ofgem’s announcement of the energy price cap rise comes only a few months after a shocking 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, as they claimed they were just “too scared” to do so.
Ofgem announces energy price cap will rise by 5% to £1,928 from January / Credit: Pxhere
Ofgem says its “priority” is to “protect consumers” and “ensure they pay a fair price for their energy” this winter.
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“This is a difficult time for many people, and any increase in bills will be worrying,” Ofgem’s CEO Jonathan Brearley commented on the price cap announcement today, “But this rise is a result of the wholesale cost of gas and electricity rising, which needs to be reflected in the price that we all pay.
“It is important that customers are supported and we have made clear to suppliers that we expect them to identify and offer help to those who are struggling with bills.
The Price Cap sets a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity you use, including the daily standing charge.
Today we have announced what the price cap will be from 1 January 2024.
“We are also seeing the return of choice to the market, which is a positive sign.
“Customers could benefit from shopping around with a range of tariffs now available offering the security of a fixed rate or a more flexible deal that tracks below the price cap.”
Mr Brearley added that people should “weigh up all the information” and “seek independent advice” from trusted sources, all while consider what’s “most important” for them – whether that’s the lowest price, or the security of a fixed deal.
The next quarterly energy price cap announcement covering April – June 2024 is expected to be made next February, Ofgem has confirmed.
Featured Image – Pxhere
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Emily Sergeant -
23rd November 2023 
