The average household could be paying £6,500 a year for energy from April, experts say.
The latest predictions from consultancy Auxilione are for yearly energy bills to rise to £3,576 from October 1, £5,066 in January 20233 and £6,552 from April.
The figures are the highest predictions yet for energy bills already causing pain for millions of homeowners.
Auxilione previously said Ofgem could set its price cap at £5,038 per year in October, £4,467 in January 2023 and £6,089 in April.
But the consultancy now says energy bills could spike further than expected due to rising natural gas prices.
Regulator Ofgem will announce the price cap for October on August 26.
More than 80% of British homes are now on energy deals limited by the Ofgem price cap.
Are you already being charged over £5,000 a year for energy? Message mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
This price cap sets a limit on the rates a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electricity you use, for homes on variable-rate energy deals paying by direct debit.
The price cap also sets a maximum for the daily standing charge, which is what you pay to have your home connected to the grid.
It is currently £1,971 for average use.
The price cap is altered every three months, in January, April, July and October.
This means the next time it will be reviewed is in October, then again in January.
Ofgem first introduced the price cap in 2019 and it is based on a number of factors including the wholesale cost of power.
Consultants at Cornwall Insight, who correctly predicted the last big energy bill rise, expects the price cap to rise to £4,266 in January.#
Investment firm Citi thinks inflation will rise from 10.1% currently to above 18% in January 2023.
Citi has forecast that a surge in wholesale energy prices will lead to inflation “entering the stratosphere” in the new year.
Citi chief UK economist Benjamin Nabarro said: "We now expect CPI inflation to peak at over 18% in January."
Other financial experts at investment firm Goldman Sachs and accountants EY said inflation would be at least 15% in the new year.
What energy bill help is available?
Talk to your energy bill provider as soon as possible if you can't pay your bill - they might be able to put you on a payment plan or offer some sort of tailored support.
It's also worth asking them if you're definitely on their cheapest deal.
Many big energy firms have charitable hardship funds and grants that you may be eligible for if you’re struggling.
For example, the British Gas Energy Trust can be accessed by anyone - not just its customers - providing you meet the eligibility criteria.
If you’re over the state pension age, you may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, worth between £100 and £300 during the winter months.
