Families were today warned their energy bills could increase yet again in October after a predicted 50 per cent surge in April - as the cost of living crisis continues to hit millions of British households.
According to Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of Energy UK, the trade body for suppliers, households could see at least another 20 per cent climb in energy bills.
Speaking at a webinar on Thursday, she said 'if nothing changes', regulator Ofgem's price cap could increase from 'around £2,000' in April to £2,400 in October.
It comes after consultants Cornwall Insight predicted the price cap to rocket from £1,277 to £1,865 in April, when it is next due to change.
Ms Pinchbeck said the increase could happen despite the wholesale price of gas being expected to drop.
'They (gas prices) are still three times higher than we expect to see at this time of the year,' she said, describing the situation as 'enduring'.
She added: 'We haven't seen anything like this, not in my career or in any of the people who sit on my board.'
It comes after it was revealed Tuesday that the taxpayer could hand energy firms huge subsidies to stop them hiking bills for customers when gas costs soar, under plans being looked at by ministers.
According to Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of Energy UK, the trade body for suppliers, households could see at least another 20 per cent climb in energy bills (file image)
The mooted 'temporary price stabilisation mechanism' would kick in when wholesale costs go over a set threshold.
Firms would agree not to increase bills for consumers in return for the money - but they could also repay it when prices go below the agreed level.
According to the Financial Times, Rishi Sunak recognises that the proposals could leave the government heavily exposed to prolonged high gas costs.
But the Chancellor and Boris Johnson are increasingly desperate to find a way of easing the pressure on households, with bills on track to rise by another 50 per cent in April and wider inflation spiking.
Downing Street refused to
