Energy bills could rise again this winter as West Midlands households urged to prepare
Energy advice group warns uncertainty in global markets could push prices up again — with many people already struggling to pay bills
Households across the West Midlands are being urged to keep a close eye on their energy bills amid warnings prices could rise again later this year.
Rachel James, chief executive of Insomni G, says her organisation has already seen an increase in people reaching out for support and advice.
She says many residents are worried about what global tensions could mean for energy prices in the months ahead.
“We’ve had a huge number of calls,” she said.
“People are very aware of oil prices going up and what that might mean for their heating and their energy bills.”
While households are currently protected by the UK energy price cap, James says the longer-term outlook is still uncertain.
“For the immediate future, those prices are fixed,” she explained.
“But where that ends up over the next six to twelve months is a very different matter.”
Energy experts say the biggest challenge is predicting how long global instability could continue to affect energy supplies.
The UK relies heavily on imported gas, which is also used to generate electricity — meaning increases in gas prices can quickly impact electricity bills too.
James says while the next price cap review in the summer is unlikely to bring dramatic changes, the bigger concern could come later in the year.
“The summer cap is usually the lowest because demand is lower,” she said.
“But by October we could see prices rising again, and there have been reports suggesting increases of around 10 per cent.”
The warning comes after several years of rising energy costs that have already placed huge pressure on many households.
Across the UK, energy debt has now reached around £4.5 billion.
“We’ve already had an energy crisis running alongside the cost-of-living crisis for several years,” James said.
“So people are understandably worried about what happens if prices spike again next winter.”
She says understanding energy bills and tariffs is one of the most important steps households can take now.
“Dig out your bills, go online and check what you’re paying and how much energy you’re using,” she said.
“There are some good fixed-rate deals available at the moment, but people should look carefully at what works best for them.”
Support is also available locally for people struggling to pay their bills.
Local authorities across the West Midlands are currently offering help through the Household Support Fund, which is expected to transition into new resilience funding later this year.
James says anyone feeling worried about their energy costs should seek advice as soon as possible.
“If people are concerned, just call and have a conversation,” she said.
“There’s support available and there are organisations that can help talk people through their options.”