Martin Lewis has warned that two regions won’t see a cut to their daily standing charges (Image: ITVX)
Martin Lewis has issued a warning to people living in London and northwest Wales after announced a cut to the unpopular daily standing charge.
The energy regulator will cut the daily standard charge for electricity – the cost of being connected to a network – by 11% from April 2025, seemingly spelling good news for households across the UK.
The reduction will be accompanied by a slight rise in the standard charge for gas, from 31.65p to 32.67p, and a 6.4% increase in for UK households on the standard tariff.
In a special episode of the Money Show, personal finance expert broke down how the changes would be likely to impact viewers, warning that neither the bill cuts or increases were black and white good or bad news.
He stressed that the 6.4% figure was based on average bill payments, with regional differences meaning some people will only see a 2% rise while others will pay an extra 9%.
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The changes are being driven by “volatile wholesale energy prices” (Image: Getty)
The Money Saving Expert added that the reduction of the unpopular standing charge, which can charge customers over £1 a day before even switching on or using a single unit of energy, wouldn’t benefit everyone.
In fact, in northwest Wales and London, the standing charge on electricity will actually rise, Mr Martin said.
He added: “It’s really important to understand that [the differences] are regional.
“You do need to look at what’s happening to you and there are some calculators out there that can help you.”
Ofgem announced last week that will require energy suppliers to offer tariffs with low or no standing charges for winter 2025/6, enabling customers to instead pay the costs as part of their unit rate.
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The regulator’s average increase of energy bill costs by 6.4% from April will mean that millions of UK households not on a fixed tariff will pay an extra £111 over the next year – around £9.25 per month.
Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said the “challenging” rise was driven by “volatile wholesale prices” and a “reliance on international gas markets”.
“Energy debts that began during the energy crisis have reached record levels and without intervention will continue to grow,” he added.
“This puts families under huge stress and increases costs for all customers. We’re developing plans that could give households with unmanageable debt the clean slate they need to move forward.”