Households are facing a decade of "painfully high" energy bills, experts have warned.
They say that long-term government failings and soaring wholesale energy costs have combined to heap misery on families.
The Tories have announced a package of help, but a report warns more than seven million people across the UK who need support do not qualify for the cash they require.
The report, from the Social Market Foundation think-tank and Citizens Advice, says many who miss out on support are on mid-range incomes.
Amy Norman, senior researcher at the foundation, said: “High energy prices could be the new normal, but our current energy policies aren’t set up to help people with what could be a decade of painfully high bills."
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She added: “Our current approach means millions of people are missing out on the help they really need.
“Politicians of all parties should come together to develop workable policies that get help to the people who need it most.”
Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, has urged the government to come up with a better plan.
She said: “Bills are pushing families who’ve never needed support before to seek help from Citizens Advice.
“It’s absolutely vital support continues to reach those on benefits. The Government must come up with a plan to ensure people in need don’t fall through the cracks of current support measures.”
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