Jeremy Hunt has just unveiled a rejigged Energy Price Guarantee, extending it to last until April 2024.
But, the chancellor did confirm that the average household will pay £3,000 for their annual energy bills from April 2023, as opposed to the current £2,500 frozen rate.
It came as the government looks to fix the damage left by the unfunded tax cuts unveiled by former prime minister Liz Truss in her mini-budget.
“One of the biggest worries for families is energy bills,” Hunt said when announcing his autumn statement on Thursday.
He also credited former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and Truss for establishing the Energy Price Guarantee earlier this autumn during their exceptional short period in office together.
Hunt said: “This winter we will stick with the plan to spend £55 billion to help households and businesses with their energy bills – one of the largest support plans in Europe.”
Experts believe that without support from Downing Street, bills could have reached £3,700 by now.
Energy bill costs have been a major concern throughout the cost of living crisis, as inflation reaches a 41-year-high of 11.1%. It partially stems from Russia’s war in Ukraine, as the West tries to wean itself off Moscow’s energy supplies.
Hunt also announced an increased windfall tax on energy firms, following energy giants reporting record-high profits this year.
He increased tax on oil and gas giants from 25% to 35%, and expanded the levy to electricity generators too.
It came as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said the UK is already in recession – and set to shrink by 1.4% next year.