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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Benjamin Lynch

What is the energy price cap and how does it work, with MILLIONS of households affected

The pockets of everyday people up and down the UK are feeling a little empty at the moment.

People are worried about rising energy costs that could still skyrocket amid a nasty cost of living crisis.

Inflation is up, as are energy costs already, and there are concerns that a rise in wages will not sufficiently deal with this problem.

The government is still planning to introduce the controversial National Insurance tax hike in April, despite campaigners warning more households could be plunged into poverty as a result.

All of this means that Brits will be feeling the pinch over the coming months.

Energy regulator Ofgem will tomorrow announce a rise in the price cap, which could have serious consequences for families already struggling to make ends meet.

So what will happen to our energy prices?

Here is everything we know.

How much will the energy price cap rise?

Energy bills could be set to rise significantly very soon (Getty Images)

There have been fears for months that the energy price cap rise will be a significant one.

Some predictions have had the rise marked at 50%; the current price cap was set at £1,277 in October.

As reported by PA: "Predictions from experts at Cornwall Insight are that it will be around £1,900 for an average household."

This would be a 49% rise from the current cap.

What is the government doing about the energy price cap?

There could be a tough few months ahead for the Chancellor (Frankie Mills)

Nothing has yet been announced, but there are early indications some plans are in place.

The Times have reported that there will be "rebate and clawback" scheme put forward by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

The idea is to loan £6billion to energy companies, which will give customers a £200 rebate on their price caps in return.

Reports indicated this could be announced as early as Thursday, although the £6billion estimated has not been confirmed and some experts believe it could cost the government a lot more.

When will the energy cap rise be in place?

Ofgem will announce the plans soon (Getty Images)

It is estimated that there are 22 million households currently thought to be on an energy deal linked to the price cap.

A lot of people will therefore be waiting with bated breath to see when their bills could go up.

Ofgem should announce its new cap this Thursday, February 2, and it is believed the cap rise should be in place in April - a double whammy for the taxpayer.

Nothing has been confirmed, but these price rises could be in place for 'several years' according to experts. Energy firms will have to pay back any loans to the government, so it won't be in their best interest to lower the cap once again.

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