General · 19 August 2026

Average energy bills expected to rise to £1,729 a year in October

Surging wholesale gas prices linked to the conflict in Iran and shipping delays are driving the hike. Analysts at Cornwall Insight think these extra charges will entirely cancel out the 5% electricity tax cut recently promised by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Ofgem, the official energy watchdog, will formally confirm the next quarterly rate for standard users on 26 August.

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