Ofgem, the regulator of the gas and electricity area in the English market, announced the increase in the maximum price of energy. According to the announcement made, energy prices will go up 80%, at an average of £3,549 a year, with increases expected for October. At the current exchange rate, this value is around 4,195 euros per year.

According to Reuters, this average price of the energy bill will almost triple compared to the average amount that families paid a year ago, when it was around 1,277 pounds a year, about 1,508 euros. It is estimated that 24 million Spanish families will face this rise in energy prices.

The head of this regulator blamed Russia for the significant rise in energy prices in early autumn, stressing that it is a “crisis” that needs to be addressed urgently by the Government. Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley stressed that regardless of whether Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak take over as Prime Minister, it is important to act immediately on this issue.

“It is clear that the new prime minister will need to act to deal with the impact of the price increases that will come in October and next year,” Brearley was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Liz Truss promises “necessary support”. Labor leader speaks of ‘devastating’ consequences

Reactions to the significant increase in energy prices are multiplying. The campaign of Liz Truss, a candidate to succeed Boris Johnson, broadcast that she will “make sure that people have the necessary support” to withstand the price increase in the coming months, if she is elected.

In a statement, campaign spokeswoman Liz Truss said “today’s announcement will cause serious concerns” across the country, leaving “families concerned about how they will pay the bills.” “As Prime Minister, Liz will make sure people get the support they need to get through these difficult times.” In the same statement, she promises herself “immediate action” if she becomes prime minister.

On Twitter, Keir Starmer, the Labor leader, also reacted to Ofgem’s announcement. Starmer called the surge “devastating” for families across the country and a “real pain for many households.”

Ofgem today announced an increase in the maximum price of energy that almost triples bills since last winter.

This surge will be devastating to people across the country.

Labor has a fully budgeted plan to freeze energy bills, which means people won’t pay a dime more this winter. pic.twitter.com/Z6zfAuEBWt

—Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 26, 2022

(Updated with more information at 09:42)