Ministers are under intense pressure with just two weeks remaining before the energy regulator Ofgem sets the next electricity price cap, a move that could see energy bills surge by 18% in July, followed by an additional 4% rise in September. Campaigners warn millions of households across the UK may face crippling increases that threaten their financial stability amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
With the deadline fast approaching, charities and advocacy groups are calling on the Government to implement swift and comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable families. Over 40 organisations, including Asthma + Lung UK, Friends of the Earth, and Disability Rights UK, have signed an open letter urging action to avoid worsening the energy crisis for the most affected.
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, highlighted the urgency: “In just 15 days, households will learn the extent of their energy bill increases. The Government must prioritize developing a robust support package for vulnerable households and those burdened by energy debt, alongside urgently reforming electricity pricing to lower costs for everyone. Political disputes should not delay this vital work.”
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He emphasized the need to decouple electricity prices from volatile gas costs and to expand support for green technology as essential long-term strategies for reducing bills.
The warning follows polling by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit revealing the cost of living — particularly rising energy bills — as the top concern influencing voting intentions across the country.
Tessa Khan from the climate advocacy group Uplift urged the Government to learn from past mistakes, saying: “Labour must avoid repeating the failures of previous administrations that left the UK unprepared for soaring energy prices caused by global conflicts. While current efforts are moving in the right direction, they must accelerate significantly to ensure no one is left behind.”
Although recent government initiatives — such as removing some green levies from bills and funding home energy improvements — are acknowledged in the letter, critics warn these measures may be insufficient and could be overshadowed by the looming price hikes.
Campaigners are also advocating for the introduction of a “Warm Homes Guarantee” to provide lower bills and stronger consumer protections, particularly ahead of the winter months.
John Bird, a crossbench peer and signatory of the letter representing the Big Issue, echoed public sentiment: “The electorate sent a clear message at the polls about the urgent need to address cost-of-living pressures. People expect to see tangible relief in their daily lives before the next winter.”
Charities stress the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. Jackie O’Sullivan from Mencap highlighted the hardship faced by people with learning disabilities, while Frazer Scott from Energy Action Scotland called attention to the “vicious cycle of debt and despair” trapping many families.
Jan Shortt of the National Pensioners Convention warned that older people are bearing an “ever-increasing” burden from rising energy costs.
With days remaining until Ofgem’s anticipated announcement on May 27, which will take effect from July 1, pressure mounts on ministers to deliver timely support. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently indicated that any future assistance would be more targeted at the poorest households rather than a universal offer, marking a shift from the broad bailouts seen earlier in the crisis.