Britain | Electric shock

Britain’s government wants to reform power markets

It would eventually bring down energy bills, but won’t help this winter

RUNCORN ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: An electricity pylon at Ince Salt Marshes near to chemical and manufacturing plants on the River Mersey estuary on September 27, 2021 in Runcorn, England. Rising prices of natural gas in the UK have pushed several energy suppliers out of business this year, with other industries warning of knock-on effects, such as the production of carbon dioxide, which is widely used by the food and drink industry. Power generated by wind turbines has also dropped by up to 20% in the last few months due to calm weather across the UK. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Bad news is no more welcome for being expected. On August 26th Britons learn just how high the regulatory “cap” on electricity and gas prices will be from October. The average household’s monthly bill is likely to rise to about £300 ($355), more than three times what it was a year ago. Another leap, to £355, is likely in January. Businesses, which have no cap, have been suffering even higher increases.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Electric shock”

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