Average energy bills forecast to hit £3,615 this winter

Energy consultant Cornwall Insight said a regular gas and electricity bill reach £3,615 in the new year, which is hundreds of pounds more than previous predictions.

In May, the UK Government announced an energy costs support package – worth £400 per household – in response to predictions that bills would rise to £2,800 for the average household in October.

Two weeks ago the Welsh Government also announced that more than 400,000 low-income households in Wales will be eligible for a additional £200 payment to help keep their homes warm this autumn and winter.

Cornwall Insight predicted last month that annual energy bills would typically rise to £3,244 from October and £3,363 from January, but circumstances have changed significantly since then.

The company told BBC Breakfast that such a bill is now likely to rise to £3,358 from October and £3,615 from January.