Energy prices across West Midlands to go up again in new year
Ofgem has raised the energy price cap by 1.2%, which will take effect on 1 January.
Last updated 22nd Nov 2024
The price cap affecting energy bills across England, Scotland, and Wales has been increased again.
Ofgem has raised the cap by 1.2%, after already increasing it by 10% last month.
It means the typical home in the West Midlands will pay £1,738 per year on gas and electricity.
Tim Jarvis, director general of markets at Ofgem, said: "While today's change means the cap has remained relatively stable, we understand that the cost of energy remains a challenge for too many households. However, with more tariffs coming into the market, there are ways for customers to bring their bill down so please shop around and look at all the options.
"Our reliance on volatile international markets - which are affected by factors such as events in Russia and the Middle East - means the cost of energy will continue to fluctuate. So it's more important than ever to stay focused on building a renewable, home-grown energy system to bring costs down and give households stability.
"In the short-term though, anyone struggling with bills should speak to their supplier to make sure they're getting the help they need and look around to make sure they're on the best, most affordable deal for them."
A foodbank in the Black Country says concerns around energy bills are continuing to grow among the people who use their services.
Jen Coleman, the CEO at Black Country Foodbank, said: "Naturally that is going to affect people if income is fairly low.
"We do offer a low-energy cooking parcel, so we offer items that would be cheaper to cook, like pot noodles and porridge pots.
"It does certainly fill a gap but is a pretty bleak reflection of the types of things we have to do when it gets to the winter."
She told us increasing family pressures, like the cost of school uniform, have led to more working parents and young people using their foodbanks.
"We're definitely seeing more children this year which is very worrying in terms of child poverty rates in the boroughs," she said.
"We're also seeing a lot of people who are employed, too. So, it's affecting families with parents who are working.
"Lots of families that are on a low income especially will be really worried about the next few months because we have Christmas coming up and all the financial pressures that it comes with."
The government said it plans to work with industry, consumer groups and charities in the coming months to ensure energy is more affordable and accessible.