The concern follows plans by the national electricity market regulator to raise the cap on bills by another 9.2%, equal to 150 pounds or $195.
The Citizens Advice report said the percentage of those worried about the affordability of their electricity was substantially higher among households with children, where the percentage was 31%, and low-income households, where 39% were worried about the coming heating season.
The consumer advocacy group also reported that 48% of respondents in its survey had said they would have to turn down the heat or turn it off to survive winter financially. Another 34% said it would be difficult for them to afford food, mortgage payments, or childcare this winter because of higher electricity prices.
Citizens Advice called on the authorities to find a way out of this situation, saying that "While plans to focus the energy market on renewables could reduce energy bills in the long term, households in desperate need can't afford to wait until then."
The specific move that the Keir Starmer government could make, according to the organization, was to increase the amount of state help for energy bills to low-income households.
Earlier this year, energy consultancy Cornwall Insight forecast that electricity costs in Britain this year will come in at an average 113 pounds per MWh — double the historical average, City AM reported in January.
This week, the BBC reported that Ofgem, the market regulator, was likely to raise the energy bill cap by 9%, citing Cornwall Insight as the source of the forecast as electricity suppliers' wholesale costs rose by 20% over the last few months. Ofgem will decide on the cap in October.
Who created this concept of "bills"? Why are we forced to pay these "bills". Seems like nothing more than an egregious expansion of a mafia racket.
Aside from that,
I once slept in my car for three days in the winter. I wanted to test my grit. A car is nothing like an apartment or a house. It was brutal but I survived. I was energized on beef patty's, peach iced tea, water and cognac. I warmed myself with two pairs of socks, long johns, two wool beanie hats, a scarf, my peacoat and two moving blankets. At the same time, I witnessed homeless, hardcore drug addicts walking around without any kind of proper winter gear and it was past 10pm in 20 degree weather. Made me feel like a pussy.
I guess my point is that the human spirit can survive any and all hardships if one has the will to do so.
The time to decide may soon be upon us all.
Good Luck.