Energy bills set to rise again: Age UK reacts to Ofgem’s energy price cap announcement

With energy bills set to rise again: Age UK reacts to Ofgem’s energy price cap announcement of 13% rise for 1 July – 30 September 2026

Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK said: “Even during this unprecedented hot weather for May, older people on low incomes are already worrying about how they will afford to stay warm next winter.

“We know that today’s price cap increase is the shape of worse to come when the next price cap is announced, because by then the impact of the war in the Middle East will really be feeding through into prices. Unfortunately, these elevated energy costs due to the war will hit just at the time when pensioners will need their heating the most, as we head into winter. This is why it is so important that the Government puts together an effective plan now to help older people on low incomes to get through the coming winter unscathed.  It’s imperative that we avoid a repeat of the 2024/5 winter, when millions of older people were cold in their own homes.

“Support has failed to keep pace with rising energy costs and is insufficient for the scale of the financial challenge that significant numbers of people will face this winter. Age UK believes that the Government should increase the value of the Warm Home Discount scheme for this winter from £150 to at least £200. They should also widen the eligibility beyond those in receipt of means-tested benefits to cover households on low incomes, so support can reach older people who are struggling but who currently miss out.”