Britain’s biggest energy retailers have told ministers they will provide more than £500 million of extra help to households as the government tries to avoid criticism over the row over winter fuel payments.
Sky News has learned that the industry body, EnergyUK, plans to make a joint announcement with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in the coming days on a package of industry-wide support.
Sources said it could be unveiled by Rachel Reeves as part of her opening Budget next week.
They added that the additional figure of over £500 million would include both repayable and non-repayable measures, such as temporary payment deferrals for consumers.
They added that the package will cover the period between this month and next April.
An insider said the announcement was partly aimed at defusing row over the Chancellor’s decision to scrap blanket winter fuel payments for pensioners.
The Government and EnergyUK are not expected to break down the £500m-plus figure by supplier.
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A Government spokesman said on Saturday: “We will do everything we can to support vulnerable households this winter – including the £150 Warm Home Rebate, which is expected to support three million eligible households, and our push to boost Pension Credit, which has already seen an increase. 152% in claims
“Minister (Miyata Energy Consumer) Fanbulle has continued to meet with energy suppliers since August to agree on a credible and robust plan with vulnerable people firmly at the centre.
“We look forward to providing further details about this plan in due course.”
EnergyUK did not respond to three emailed requests for comment.
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