One of the big six energy companies has backed Ofgem's bill hike warning which could see Brits pay even higher amounts on their energy in the coming months.
Earlier this week energy regulator Ofgem warned that gas markets were in a febrile state since the Russian invasion. Regulator chief Jonathan Brearley said that because the market remains highly volatile they expect further price increases later this year, which means consumers could be preparing for another energy bill hike, despite the latest increase bringing prices to a record percentage.
In April, Ofgem hiked its energy price cap by 54 per cent. The energy price cap, which limits the rates a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electricity you use, jumped by £693 from £1,277 to £1,971.
If the second rise goes ahead, analysts are predicted that a typical household will see their annual energy bill rise by £600 from October. That would take the typical household's gas and electricity bills to £2,595.
EDF, one of the biggest energy companies in the UK, has agreed with Mr Brearley's comments and are warning customers that the impact will severe later on in the year.
An EDF spokesperson said: "Wholesale energy costs remain persistently high and we agree that the rising costs of energy will disproportionately impact the poorest households.
"Our research shows that a year ago, the 10% lowest-earning households spent £1 in every £12 of their budget on energy. If the price cap hits the £2,600 level, this will double to £1 in every £6 from October."
EDF has said they take their duty of care to their customers "extremely seriously", and have also said they are one of only two suppliers to be awarded Energy UK’s Gold award for support to vulnerable customers.
The energy firm also added that they have brought forward £20million spend on energy efficiency measures for fuel poor households this year, as well as onboarding 500 extra customer service advisors in recent months.
A spokesperson added: "We recently doubled the amount of financial support available for customers to £10million, to help with debt relief and helping customers to buy more energy efficient white goods.
"We are increasingly constrained in our ability to do more.
"The government has acknowledged that they know more help will be needed this winter if prices rise again and we’re ready to work with them on delivering that support to those most in need."
Many families will struggle to cope with the soaring cost of inflation, with some unable to pay for their food and energy bills. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) is calling on the Government to offer emergency support.
