Energy bill price cap to be updated FOUR times a year as Ofgem warns of ‘challenging winter’

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will be updated four times a year, rather than twice as it warned that customers face a “very challenging winter ahead”. The regulator said the change would go “some way to provide the stability needed in the energy market."

It said Russia’s actions in Ukraine had led to volatility in the global energy market experienced last winter lasting “much longer, with much higher prices for both gas and electricity than ever before”. As expected, Ofgem warned that as a result of the market conditions, the price cap would have to increase later this month to reflect increased costs.

However it said that the changes would mean that any fall in wholesale prices would be passed on in full to customers and more quickly with the quarterly price cap. Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said: “I know this situation is deeply worrying for many people.

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"As a result of Russia’s actions, the volatility in the energy markets we experienced last winter has lasted much longer, with much higher prices than ever before. And that means the cost of supplying electricity and gas to homes has increased considerably.

“The trade-offs we need to make on behalf of consumers are extremely difficult and there are simply no easy answers right now. Today’s changes ensure the price cap does its job, making sure customers are only paying the real cost of their energy, but also, that it can adapt to the current volatile market.

“We will keep working closely with the government, consumer groups and with energy companies on what further support can be provided to help with these higher