UK energy suppliers commit £500 million to support customers facing rising bills

UK energy suppliers will spend £500 million this winter to assist customers with rising energy bills. This initiative involves 12 major companies and includes measures like bill credits and debt write-offs, following cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. The government aims to alleviate the impact of these cuts, which are expected to push 100,000 more people into relative poverty. This support is part of a broader £1 billion plan to reduce household energy costs and improve energy efficiency. Energy regulator Ofgem is set to raise the industry price cap in January, with average household bills projected to increase by 1%. This coordinated support marks a significant effort by the energy industry to help customers during challenging economic times.