Energy UK urges government to broaden aid for households facing soaring bills

Energy UK, the industry association for UK power suppliers, warned that persistent high energy prices are pushing many households into unaffordable territory and that the existing £150 Warm Home Discount leaves a sizable gap. Citing record-high debt of £4.7 bn owed to suppliers and an imminent three-year-high price cap from Ofgem, the body urged the government to adopt a more targeted, agile "social discount" scheme. The proposed plan would cost roughly £1.9 bn—almost double the current scheme—and could deliver up to £450 in relief to qualifying families, especially those with medical needs or poorly insulated homes.

Energy UK suggested the funding could be shared between consumer levies and direct taxpayer contributions. Charity leader Adam Scorer welcomed the idea, noting that the Warm Home Discount has risen only £10 in a decade and calling for a new approach to fuel-poverty relief.