Energy Bills Sickener

Anger as millions face £150 hikes after industry watchdog lifts cap on charges | prices set to soar.

- Graham Hiscott

Ofgem’s MILLIONS of struggling families are to be hit by the biggest increase in energy bills in a decade.

The price cap is to jump by £150 – hiking annual costs to £1,288 for 15 million.

Jonathan Brearley, head of watchdog Ofgem, warned an “unprecedented” surge in fuel costs will affect family bills.

A COLD BLAST

Ofgem slammed over £150 spike in energy bills for 15 million customers

OFGEM has been criticised as it prepares to give energy suppliers the green light for a crippling increase in bills.

The watchdog is expected to say on Friday it will raise a price cap for 15 million customers by around £150 a year.

The 13% surge, which starts in October as temperatures drop, will be blamed on higher wholesale costs.

But the rise – from £1,138 to around £1,288 a year – will be devastating for those already struggling to make ends meet.

It is likely to renew focus on the role of Ofgem, whose £121million spend last year was funded by suppliers.

Chief executive Jonathan Brearley raked in more than £300,000 in pay and perks last year, with fellow senior staff sharing more than £2.4m.