National Energy Action has released worrying new figures as energy experts Cornwall Insight predicts average energy bill could reach £3,250 per year by October.
If that happens, National Energy Action has predicted 8.2 million UK households – one in three – will be in fuel poverty.
In October 2021 the average annual energy bill was £1,271 per year, which meant 4.5 million UK households were in fuel poverty, the organisation said.
National Energy Action chief executive Adam Scorer said: “Anticipated prices far exceed earlier projections. Current financial support will be inadequate as much of that money will be spent before winter kicks in.
“We are facing the bleakest of winters. Energy bills are already unaffordable for millions, and millions more are set to suffer. People will be forced into impossible situations. Choosing between heating and eating, forced into spiralling debt and putting their emotional and physical health at significant risk. The energy crisis is the urgent priority for a new Prime Minister. Higher prices and cold weather are inevitable. Dither and delay are not.”
In its calculations, National Energy Action took into account the £400 energy rebate the government is giving to all households, which was announced in May, it added.