Calls for further action to lower energy bills in East Sussex, as price cap set to fall by 7%

Local community benefit society Energise Sussex Coast has called for further action on energy bills, following today's announcement, by energy regulator Ofgem, of a 7% fall in the energy price cap from 1 April 2026.

An initial analysis by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition 'suggests some households will see much bigger reductions than others. A low usage household will see their bill reduce by around £80, while high usage households might see a £140 saving.'

Energise Sussex Coast director Kate Meakin said: 'Today’s fall in the price cap will bring some welcome relief to households who have been under intense pressure from high energy costs. But bills remain hundreds of pounds above pre-crisis levels and for millions of families in cold, damp homes this will not feel like the cost of living crisis is over. If the country is going to tackle energy affordability for good, then this must be the start of much deeper reform, not the end of the job. Among other things this means: dealing with the growing mountain of energy debt; changing the way that our electricity pricing system works so that expensive gas – instead of much cheaper renewables – isn't setting the wholesale price of electricity 98% of the time; using public investment, rather than add-ons to people's energy bills, to help fund grid upgrades; and accelerating the renewables revolution so that we can phase out expensive and volatile gas, tackling the cost-of-living and climate crises at the same time.'

Over two-fifths (43%) of UK households are currently struggling with energy bills and spending more than 10% of their household income on gas and electricity, according to recent research by the University of York. Moreover, the latest Government data shows that there were over 2,500 deaths in England associated with the cold weather in winter 2024/25, during which the government withdrew the Winter Fuel Payment from millions of pensioners.

Energy giants have generated over £125 billion in profits on their UK operations since the energy crisis started, according to an analysis of company reports by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition. Meanwhile, the level of energy debt has increased to an all time high, with millions of households owing a combined £4.43bn in debt.

While renewables are now much cheaper than fossil fuels, the way in which electricity prices are set in the UK means that expensive gas sets wholesale electricity prices 98% of the time. Even so, investment in wind power has already saved UK consumers over £100 billion in energy costs since 2010, according to a University College London analysis.

Founded in 2012, Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) is a local community benefit cooperative working to tackle climate change and energy injustice through community-owned renewable energy and free energy advice. It runs a free Energy Advice service to help local residents bring down the cost of their electricity, gas and water bills: 01424 390 062.

A recent user of ESC’s advice service said: “Amazing service – the advisor helped me resolve a worrying energy debt issue and supported me to access a grant for a new washing machine, which was essential.” Another added: “After speaking to Energise Sussex Coast, my water bill has already halved.”