Could UK energy firms offer help to customers with higher bills this winter?

Some of the country’s biggest energy companies are attending talks with the government about how they can help struggling customers with their fuel bills this winter.

Centrica, EDF and Scottish Power are among those taking part in discussions with minister Miatta Fahnbulleh at the energy department, as are regulator Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice.

Political analyst Darren McCaffrey says it’s part of a government attempt to have energy firms do more to help customers.

“What the government is saying is there isn’t as much help as there has been previously, fiscally we’re in a pretty desperate situation – they’re looking for the companies to step up,” he says.

There are three things in the government’s mind:

• The energy price cap will increase by 10% from 1 October
• Household energy debts are said to be at record levels
• Most pensioners are losing their winter fuel allowance

Whether energy companies will be willing to pick up the tab to help is uncertain right now, though.

“The government is trying to push them in that direction,” says Darren. 

“That’s the key thing that will potentially emerge from this meeting.”