Ministers drop new energy bill support hint — as seven million households set to see costs rise this winter

MINISTERS last night opened the door to new energy bill support — with seven million households set to pay more this winter than last.

Energy Minister Andrew Bowie pledged to “consider any and all options”.

There are fears one in three households will see the cost of power soar.

Regulator Ofgem confirmed the price cap will fall below £2,000 for the first time in 18 months.

From October 1, the average home should see its annual bill drop by £151 to £1,923 — under the new cap.

But many will feel worse off because of the removal of £400 government support for vulnerable households.

Rishi Sunak hailed the new price cap as “really good news for families” but acknowledged “things are still tough”.

The PM said: “We are working night and day to bring down inflation so that the money in people’s pockets can go further.”

Ministers say they will extend and reform the Warm Homes Discount, giving another £150 to people in need, but that will not help everyone.

The Department for Energy is now locked in discussions with charities and gas giants about assisting hard-up homes.

The energy sector is calling for the price cap system to be reviewed.

But Greg Jackson, boss of Octopus Energy, said that while the cap was not perfect it had been a “powerful and positive force”.

Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband blasted: “Higher energy bills are unfortunately here to stay under the Conservatives.

"Even with this fall, bills are significantly higher than they were only three years ago.”

Cheaper bills show Vladimir Putin is losing his grip over the global gas market, Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said last night.