Households across the UK are bracing for a 13% increase in energy bills from July, even as analysts step back from earlier warnings of a fresh surge during the winter months.
According to the Mirror, the energy price cap set by regulator Ofgem will climb in the third quarter of the year, pushing typical bills higher just as families had hoped for some relief after recent falls.
A 13% rise will add hundreds of pounds to a typical annual bill, piling further pressure on budgets already stretched by stubborn food prices, mortgage costs and frozen tax thresholds that have dragged millions into higher bands.
The Mirror reports that earlier predictions of another steep climb during the colder months have been revised downwards, with wholesale gas markets steadier than feared in recent weeks.
That is little comfort for those staring at the July rise though, and debt charities have warned that many households will keep rationing heating or fall behind on payments throughout the rest of the year.
Energy use typically falls in the summer months, but the timing means standing charges and any usage will cost more from the start of July, with prepayment customers feeling the change first.
Households worried about their bills are being urged to check whether they qualify for the warm home discount or council hardship schemes, talk to suppliers about repayment plans if they are struggling, and submit accurate meter readings before the new rates take effect.
The price cap is reviewed every three months by Ofgem, and the next update covering the autumn period is due later in the summer, giving families a clearer picture of what the colder months will really bring.