Ireland's energy distributor, now SSE plc subsidiary
The price cap on gas and electricity has increased, raising the typical yearly bill to around £1,862 for direct-debit customers, with Ofgem data showing a sustained spike in wholesale prices. Households are urged to submit meter readings and seek cheaper fixed deals as bills stay high into winter.
Refunds from court-invalidated tariffs are flowing to businesses, offsetting inflation and costs. Firms plan to use the money to offset rising expenses, reinvest, or pay down debt. The timing and distribution of the refunds could influence how price pressures transmit through the economy.
The CMA has urged the UK and devolved governments to bolster safeguards for heating oil consumers after a price spike triggered by the Middle East crisis. It finds rising wholesale costs largely explain price increases, but protections for oil users lag those for gas and electricity customers. About 1,700 orders were cancelled with some patients paying up to £350 extra; regulators plan enforcement and compensation for affected customers.