Ipswich households pay 41% more for energy compared to 2021

The big picture: Following the October 1 price cap increase, the average Ipswich household will pay around £1,480 per year on energy. This is down from £1,556 last October but still 41% higher than October 2021 rates.

By the numbers:

• Ipswich households use an average of 2,421 kWh of electricity and 8,798 kWh of gas annually.

• The energy price cap rose by 10% on October 1.

• Labour plans to remove the winter fuel allowance for about 10 million pensioners this year.

• The energy industry has made more than £457 billion in profit since the start of the crisis.

What they're saying:

• Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the price cap rise "deeply worrying" and blamed "failed energy policy" inherited from the previous government.

• Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused Labour of pursuing "reckless net zero targets with no thoughts to the costs."

• Andy Manning of Citizens Advice said people are in "desperate need" of targeted bill support.

• Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: "The energy industry has made more than £457 billion in profit since the start of the crisis, so there is plenty of money in the system to be able to ensure everyone stays warm this winter and next."

Between the lines: The government faces pressure to provide additional support for vulnerable households this winter, with calls for reductions in standing charges and the introduction of a social tariff.

What's next: Labour says it will focus on clean, homegrown power to reduce bills and increase energy independence. However, these long-term solutions are unlikely to provide immediate relief for struggling households this winter.