New data shows energy bills could hit £2,000 next year - here’s the help you could get

Households are already bracing themselves for higher energy costs this autumn.

The energy price cap will rise to £1,723 a year from October 1 for a typical household paying by Direct Debit - a £60 increase on the current level.

But there could be even bigger rises ahead.

E.ON Next is forecasting that the price cap could jump to £2,027 a year from January 2027.

That would be an increase of £304 compared with the October cap.

The January figure is only a forecast and is not yet confirmed by Ofgem. The regulator is due to announce the January-to-March price cap on 25 November.

And forecasts can change quickly as wholesale energy prices move.

But the warning will be worrying news for households already struggling to make ends meet.

Why are energy bills going up?

The price cap is reviewed every three months and reflects the costs suppliers face, including the wholesale cost of gas and electricity.

Ofgem has said the latest rise has been driven by higher wholesale gas prices, linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The price cap does not put a limit on the total amount you can spend on energy.

Instead, it limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs.

So if you use more energy, you will pay more.

And if wholesale prices continue to rise, the next price cap could follow.

Help is available if you're struggling

The good news is that you don't have to wait for another big bill to land before doing something about it.

There is support available for households who are struggling with energy costs.

Check if you can get £150 off your bill

The Warm Home Discount could give eligible households £150 off their electricity bill.

It's worth checking whether you qualify, particularly if you're on a low income or receive certain benefits.

Find out who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount and how it works

Check what other help you could get

There are other forms of government support available depending on your circumstances.

If you're struggling with your bills, don't assume you won't qualify.

See our guide to government help with energy bills

It brings together the key schemes and support available to help with energy costs.

Already falling behind on your bills?

Don't ignore it.

If you're struggling to pay your gas or electricity bill, contact your supplier as soon as possible.

Ofgem says suppliers must help customers who tell them they are unable to pay. This could include agreeing a repayment plan or providing emergency credit in some circumstances.

The sooner you speak to your supplier, the more options you may have.

And if you're dealing with wider money problems, getting independent debt advice can help you work out what to do next.

Could you cut your energy use?

There are plenty of simple changes that could help bring down your energy consumption.

Turning your thermostat down slightly, making sure you're not heating empty rooms and reducing wasted hot water can all make a difference.

We've put together practical advice to help households use less energy without making life miserable.

Read our energy-saving tips

Is your home wasting energy?

If your home is poorly insulated, you could be spending more than necessary just to keep it warm.

There are schemes designed to help eligible households improve the energy efficiency of their homes, including insulation and heating improvements.

Our guides cover the different options available, including the Green Deal.

Find out more about the Green Deal

It's worth checking what support you could get before paying for improvements yourself.

Check your benefits too

Energy bills are only one part of the squeeze on household budgets.

If you're struggling to make ends meet, you could be entitled to benefits or other financial support you're not currently claiming.

Our free benefits calculator could reveal support you didn't know you were entitled to.