Age Cymru’s response to Ofgem's energy price announcement of 4% rise in energy prices from 1 October to 31 December 2026

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive at Age Cymru said: "Today's news will cause concern for those older people who have repeatedly faced tough choices during the last few years of energy price hikes, and who now have nothing left to cut back on.

"The cost of living remains a challenge for many older people across Wales. Our latest annual survey found that 52% of respondents are reducing their use of energy/heating to ensure that they can continue to help manage the rising cost of living.

"With energy prices set to rise yet again we are calling for decisive action to protect the older people in greatest need. We are calling on UK Ministers to raise the Warm Home Discount to £200 for this winter, as well as opening an application route for people of all ages on low incomes to seek this support via their energy supplier. We call on the Welsh Government to expand the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) to support older people in an emergency.

"No older person should have to face another winter fretting over whether they can afford to stay warm - but we know that in light of today's news many now will.

“We must address the deepening fuel poverty. Our aim should not be about getting through one winter at a time as happens now, instead we must build a future in which no older person is left cold or struggling to afford the essentials. Both the UK and Welsh Governments must act quickly to put their fears to rest."

If anyone would like advice or further information, they can call Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, or email advice@agecymru.org.uk.