Energy bills could hit £2,100 as industry chiefs urge Burnham to shield poorest from worst winter crisis since 2022

From the Newshound archive · first published 4 October 2026.

Energy UK is warning that typical household bills could climb to around £2,100 a year by early 2027, matching the devastating price levels seen during the 2022 Ukraine-triggered crisis. The industry body is pressing Prime Minister Andy Burnham to go further to protect the poorest households before the cold months hit. Burnham has already cut VAT on energy bills and pledged "breathing space" in his Budget later this month, but suppliers say that is not enough.

Energy UK chief executive Dhara Vyas urged the government to intervene now, ahead of any further worsening of conditions.

The £2,100 projection is comparable to the £2,500 annual bill that prompted the last government to launch its Emergency Price Guarantee in 2022.

Burnham faces mounting pressure to announce fresh targeted support at his Budget, with millions of low-income families watching the autumn price cap nervously.