SOME residents may be forced into making tough decisions as it was announced the energy price cap has risen by more than 80 per cent.
Ofgem has confirmed the average household’s yearly bill will rise from £1,971 to £3,549 from October.
David King, Colchester Council leader has voiced his concern for resident’s welfare in light of the news.
He said: “I share the shock and dismay of many residents at a long-awaited piece of very bad news, the first step towards much higher bills for everyone.
“Some people will be able to cope but many others will strange, some of whom will face some terrible choices about how much warmth they have, food they eat, or what bills they must pay.
“This local authority will do anything it can to direct our residents towards sources of help to see them through what will be a very long winter.”
Mr King has said Colchester Council is calling on the government to decide swiftly on a generous support package direct to residents and businesses and councils.
The four and a half million pre-payment meter customers, who are often the most vulnerable and already in fuel poverty, will see an even more punishing increase, with their average annual bill set to go up to £3,608.
Fuel poverty charities immediately called on the government to urgently extend the household support package announced in May, when the price cap was predicted to reach around £2,800 in October.
Mike Beckett, chief officer at Colchester Foodbank said the situation could result in the worst of outcomes.
He said: “Regarding this winter, unless it’s very mild I imagine people might die unless the government takes action.
“We are concerned that people will suffer immensely as a consequence of this and that shouldn’t be the case.
“This year has been busier than last year and we’re bracing for a spike in demand in October as the energy prices begin to hit home.”
Colchester Foodbank has 265 partner agents including job centres, councillors, citizens advice services, social workers and schools.
These partners can point struggling residents in the right direction for a food voucher if they are working or on benefits.
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