Energy UK Urges Government Action as April Price Cap Rise Adds Pressure on Households

London : As energy bills climb once again this April, Energy UK has voiced concern over the growing financial burden on households, with its Chief Executive Dhara Vyas calling the latest price cap increase “clearly unwelcome news” for millions already struggling with rising costs and record levels of energy debt.

The increase, announced under Ofgem’s price cap mechanism, reflects higher costs on the wholesale energy market — a reality, Vyas said, that underscores the UK’s vulnerability due to its continued dependence on gas for heating and electricity generation.

“Customer debt is now approaching a staggering £4 billion,” Vyas noted. “At a time when households are also dealing with broader cost-of-living pressures, this rise in energy bills is especially painful.”

She reiterated the urgency for long-term reform, emphasizing that the only sustainable path forward is through accelerating the transition to a clean, electrified energy system. “Investing in clean power and increasing electrification is the only way to permanently deliver both energy security and stable, affordable bills,” she said.

Energy UK recently outlined a roadmap in its report How to Cut Bills: A Crisis That Can’t Be Ignored, calling on the government to take immediate and targeted action. Among the key recommendations are removing policy costs from electricity bills, expanding targeted support for customers in fuel poverty, and unlocking greater flexibility in energy use at home.

Vyas welcomed recent government measures such as the expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme, plans for a debt relief initiative, and improved use of data matching to better direct aid to those in need. “These steps are encouraging, but more must be done,” she said.

Energy UK represents over 95% of the UK’s home energy supply market and continues to advocate for stronger support mechanisms for vulnerable consumers. The organization’s Vulnerability Commitment initiative, now covering the vast majority of UK households, promotes best practices in customer care — including the use of AI to identify those most at risk.

For more information, Energy UK provides a detailed explainer on the factors driving the latest price rise, as well as a list of support programs available through its member suppliers.

Energy UK Press Office