Across the country, millions of people will be forced to choose between food and heating.
Energy regulator Ofgem today announced the energy price cap will increase from £1,971 to £3,549 from October 1. The energy regulator currently updates its price cap twice a year - in April and October. But now, the regulators will review the cap every January, April, July and October.
The current price cap was last adjusted in April this year, rising from £1,277 to £1,971 per year on average. Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has previously warned Britain will face a dire winter as prices continue to spiral.
READ MORE: Government 'missing in action' amid 'terrifying' energy price news
In the wake of this announcement, the ECHO headed out into St Helens town centre, to speak to some shoppers about their concerns around the price hike. James, 29, said: “I'm in a position where I can look after myself but it’s going to be a struggle especially for older people.
"I’m worried for my grandparents, they have support from me and my dad but for a lot of people there will be hard choices, between heating their house and putting food on the table.”
Darren, 48, says the energy rise is a “nightmare”, he told the ECHO: "Where I live is all electric so I don’t have to worry about gas, but I’m still worried, especially about the winter months. The government say they have plans to help but I don’t think it’s enough.”
Among the hardest hit by the rise could be those over the age of 65. Anne Bunting, 77, said: “It’s terrifying. Me and my husband are both retired and this is really going to harm our savings. Say we wanted a little holiday, that’s now gone.”
There is a definite sense of fear and uncertainty across of the country at the prospect of facing a winter with energy bills raised by 80%. These fears are felt acutely in areas with high deprivation rates- such as St Helens.
While many will be terrified of their incoming energy bills, there was a notable absence of government ministers on today's broadcast television rounds. Normally ministers will appear on the major news programmes to discuss the big issues of the day.
Many were shocked to see no government figure responding to the huge, worrying news. ITV News reporter Paul Brand said: "No government minister and no Liz Truss supporting MP on the morning round today to help the country understand how it is going to pay its energy bills. You do get the sense there is a tumbleweed blowing across the office floor in Westminster."
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