Brits Told Their Energy Bills Will Surge More Than 60% This Winter

Britain's energy regulator Ofgem warned that bill payers face a challenging winter ahead as energy prices continue an unprecedented rise that could push millions into poverty.

Bills are set to climb more than 60% in October to record levels and again in January, as surging energy prices push up the cost of supplying households. The UK has a cap on tariffs that shields consumers from daily spikes in wholesale prices but there's little protection from gas prices that have tripled in just the last year.

"I know this situation is deeply worrying for many people," said Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem's chief executive officer. "The trade-offs we need to make on behalf of consumers are extremely difficult and there are simply no easy answers right now."