THE average household in Copeland could spend more than £3,500 per year on their energy bill when the new price cap comes into effect in October, analysis suggests.

It means the maximum price a supplier can charge for electricity will rise on average from 28p per kilowatt-hour to 52p per kWh, while gas will increase from 7p to 15p per kWh.

Energy charity National Energy Action (NEA) said millions now face a 'big freeze' and urged the Government to act immediately to provide greater support ahead of the winter.

Data collected by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in 2020 shows the average households usage in Copeland would mean they pay £1,990 per year to heat and fuel their home.

However, in October, this will soar to approximately £3,730.

Adam Scorer, chief executive of the NEA, said the scale of harm caused by soaring prices needs to sink in and that warm homes will be a 'pipe dream' for many this winter as they wrestle with higher tariffs.

"Without bold action to support the most vulnerable and those on the lowest incomes, this will effectively prise their fingers from the cliff edge and push them over the precipice," Mr Scorer added.

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