Energy Bills Could Rise Again This Winter – What Can Local Charnwood Households Do?

Energy prices remain stubbornly high, and households across Loughborough, Shepshed, Quorn and the wider Charnwood area could face another increase this winter.

The energy regulator Ofgem is due to announce the next Energy Price Cap this week, with industry forecasts suggesting it could rise by around 4% from October.

That follows the much larger increase households have already seen this summer.

So, if you have recently been wondering whether you are still with the best energy supplier, whether there are cheaper energy deals available, or whether it is worth changing your gas and electricity provider, now is a sensible time to have another look.

Why Are Energy Bills Still So High?

According to reporting by BBC business reporter Lucy Hooker, Energy UK — the organisation representing energy suppliers — has warned that persistently high household bills are leaving increasing numbers of people needing additional help.

Wholesale energy costs have risen again during 2026, with international events and increased European demand for electricity both contributing to higher prices.

Energy consultancy Cornwall Insight is currently forecasting that the Ofgem Energy Price Cap could increase by approximately 4% when the new level takes effect in October.

The Energy Price Cap does not mean that every household pays the same bill.

It limits the amount suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs for each unit of gas and electricity, together with the standing charge.

How much you actually pay still depends upon how much energy your household uses.

What Has Happened to the Energy Price Cap?

Energy bills have been on quite a journey over the last few years.

The chart below shows just how dramatically the typical household cost increased during the energy crisis before falling back — although bills have never returned to the levels many households were accustomed to before 2022.

Source data: Ofgem. Original reporting: BBC News, Lucy Hooker, 23 August 2026.

For many households, that means energy remains one of their largest regular expenses.

And this is why I believe it is worth periodically reviewing what you are paying rather than simply allowing the same tariff or supplier arrangement to continue year after year.

Looking for the Cheapest Energy Doesn't Always Mean Choosing the Cheapest Headline Rate

Google searches show that thousands of people every month are looking for phrases such as:

• cheapest energy

• best energy supplier

• cheapest energy supplier

• best electricity company

• gas and electricity providers

• electricity and gas comparison

• cheap electricity

• best electricity and gas deals

That is understandable.

But the cheapest energy supplier for one household may not be the best choice for another.

Your usage, payment method, tariff, other household services and any additional discounts available can all affect the overall amount you actually pay.

Some energy tariffs and offers are also only available through authorised Business Partners and may not appear in exactly the same way on the usual comparison websites.

That is why I prefer to look at the household as a whole rather than simply showing somebody a headline tariff.

Should I Switch My Electricity or Gas Supplier?

Another question I am regularly asked is:

“Should I change my electricity supplier now, or wait?”

There isn't one answer that is right for everybody.

If you are on a standard variable tariff, approaching the end of a fixed arrangement, or simply haven't reviewed your energy for some time, it is worth checking where you currently stand.

That doesn't mean you have to switch.

My approach is very simple:

LOOK – I'll look at what you are currently paying.

SHOW – I'll show you clearly whether there is somewhere you could reduce your costs.

DECIDE – You decide whether you want to change anything.

DO – If you decide to change, I'll arrange it for you and remain your local point of contact afterwards.

There is no reason to change supplier simply for the sake of changing.

The objective is to make sure what you have is still right for you.

More Households Are Struggling With Energy Debt

The latest figures also show why this matters.

Ofgem reported that customers who had fallen behind with their energy bills owed suppliers a record £4.7 billion by the end of last winter.

Energy UK is now calling for greater government support for households most in need.

At present, qualifying households can receive the £150 Warm Home Discount, but Energy UK argues that additional support should take greater account of household income, health and actual energy consumption.

It has suggested a new targeted scheme that could provide some households with support of up to £450.

Whether the government adopts that proposal remains to be seen.

But it reinforces something I see regularly: energy affordability is still a genuine issue for many households.

Don't Assume Loyalty Means You're Getting the Best Deal

One of the most common things I find during a Home Bills Review is that somebody has remained with the same providers simply because everything has continued working.

There is nothing wrong with loyalty.

But occasionally that loyalty becomes expensive.

Energy prices change.

Broadband contracts change.

Mobile contracts change.

Insurance renewals change.

And because they all renew at different times, very few people ever stop and look at the whole household picture.

That's what I do.

A Local Home Bills Review for Loughborough & Charnwood

I've been helping households throughout Loughborough, Shepshed, Quorn, Barrow upon Soar, Mountsorrel, Sileby, Rothley and the wider Charnwood area review their home services for more than seven years.

I can look at:

• Gas & electricity

• Broadband

• Home WiFi

• Mobile SIMs

• Home telephone

• Home insurance and protection

and show you clearly whether there are areas where you could be paying less.

Sometimes there are substantial savings.

Sometimes there aren't.

Either answer is useful, because at least you know exactly where you stand.

Worried About Higher Energy Bills This Winter?

If the next Energy Price Cap increase has made you wonder whether you are still getting a good deal, you don't need to spend hours working through comparison sites yourself.

I'll do the work.

Bring me your current bills and I'll show you what you are paying and whether there are alternatives worth considering.

Arrange Your Free Home Bills Review

Call Diane at CBC Home Utilities on 01509 435 122

No pressure. No obligation.

Just a straightforward review of what you have now and whether you could be paying less.

Source: This article was inspired by BBC News reporting by Lucy Hooker, Business Reporter, published 23 August 2026, concerning Energy UK's call for increased household support ahead of the forthcoming Ofgem Energy Price Cap announcement. Ofgem and Energy UK are the primary sources for the industry figures discussed above.