SOARING energy bills are turning into a Covid-scale national crisis and putting lives at risk, a consumer champion claims.
Martin Lewis said its advance was akin to watching the pandemic take a grip in Europe in 2020 while allowing UK sporting events to go on.
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The MoneySavingExpert founder said ministers were acting like “zombies” as the “cataclysmic” problem mounts — with bills forecast to hit £4,200 by January.
He said: “Millions of households will simply not be able to afford it.”
Mr Lewis blasted as “bull” claims no action was possible until a new PM is installed on September 5.
He said: “If we had a volcano in the UK that was exploding right now, I’d be very surprised if government said it can’t call a Cobra meeting and can’t get something done.
“This is a financial emergency that risks lives.”
Regulator Ofgem said last night it was possible firms could start raising their demands before the energy price cap jumps in October.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng are to meet energy company chiefs today.
A Government source said “no option was off the table” as to how the firms’ colossal profits could be targeted to make bills fairer.
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This could include beefing up the £5billion windfall tax they already face.
Liz Truss, front-runner in the PM race, does not favour such a move.
Rival Rishi Sunak said her plan to cut National Insurance would hand BP boss Bernard Looney £34,431 next year.
Labour said dividends paid to Shell and BP shareholders were the equivalent of £363 per UK household.
The Treasury said it was probing options to ease the cost-of-living crisis to put before the new PM.
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