Which? responds to the news the energy price cap will increase to more than £3,500 in October

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: 

"These eye-watering increases will simply be unaffordable for households up and down the country. The government must now increase the Energy Bills Support Scheme by at least 150 per cent or risk pushing millions of households into financial distress this winter.

"Consumers will rightly be worried by these huge price hikes, so energy suppliers must ensure their customer service centres are adequately resourced to resolve queries quickly and help those struggling to pay their bills. They must also work with the government to ensure that all consumers receive the support they are entitled to.

"In reality, proposals such as additional financial support and freezing the price cap can only be sticking plaster solutions. It is vital that the government and regulator get a grip of this crisis by urgently undertaking a thorough, wide-ranging review of retail energy pricing - including the price cap - and supporting consumers in adopting energy efficiency measures such as home insulation."

Notes to editors 

Government must increase the energy bill discount this winter by at least 150 per cent, Which? warns