One-week warning as British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF and OVO customers to have £149 taken from bank accounts

Lord Callanan has urged Ofgem to hold underperforming energy suppliers accountable for failing to ensure consumers can access smart meter benefits.
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UK households have been warned to prepare for increases to their energy bills from next week. Prices will be rising as the regulator Ofgem increases the Energy Price Cap from October

The typical household will pay an extra £149 a year for their gas and electricity. It's the latest blow to families suffering with the cost of living.

It also comes just as the weather is starting to turn colder and people will soon be switching on their heating, if they haven't already. But some may be reluctant to use their heating, mindful of the extra charges.

READ MORE: Octopus Energy tells customers £150 payment will now be automatic

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It also comes as millions of pensioners are losing their Winter Fuel Payments this year, a decision by the Labour Government which has attracted severe criticism from charities and campaigners. How soon customers see changes to costs will depend how they pay their bills.

Direct debit customers may continue to pay the same monthly amount for now before they will likely get a nasty surprise over the coming months as suppliers adjust charges. There have been more dire warnings that the Price Cap will increase again in January, sending bills soaring even further.

Ofgem explained: "Between October 1 and December 31, 2024 the energy price cap is set at £1,717 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by direct debit. This is an increase of 10% compared to the cap set between July 1 to September 30, 2024 (£1,568).

The price cap is based on typical household energy use. The price cap also makes sure that prices for people on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) are fair and that they reflect the cost of energy."