HOUSEHOLDS have been saved from forking out £160 on their gas bills after the government has shelved plans to roll out a green levy that raises prices.
The government has temporarily scrapped a energy bill shake-up that would see the cost of gas rise.
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Families already pay a green levy on their electricity bill, with the cash raised going towards funding renewable energy projects.
Last year these charges added £162 to the average electricity bill of £707.
But last summer, under the government’s £1.4trillion Net Zero plan, the government pledged to make it so gas bills, not electricity bills, would bear the brunt of paying for this levy.
That’s because electricity is greener than gas, and the government hoped the shake-up would encourage households to switch to electricity to heat their homes.
A decision on when to move the levy over from electricity to gas bills was expected to be taken this year by business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.
But that’s been put on hold due to soaring energy bills, according to The Times.
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A government source said ministers were committed to the plan but it would be delayed due to the energy crisis.
They said the switch was always intended to be gradual.
The government was approached for comment.
It comes as Brits are being whacked with eye-watering energy bill hikes.
Last week it was announced the energy price cap, which limits how much suppliers can charge households for their bill, will soar to 1,971 in April.
That’s 54% higher than what it is currently set at (£1,277).
It meant a raft of support measures were announced last week to help hard-up Brits manage their energy bills.
It was announced all energy customers will get a £200 discount on their energy bill in October to tackle the rising costs, which they’ll have to start paying back from April next year.
And more people will be eligible for the warm home discount after the scheme was expanded.
Low income households can get £25 a week to help with energy bills during the winter thanks to the cold weather payment scheme.
The winter fuel payment scheme will also help, where those getting the state pension can get between £100 and £300 to offset the cost of keeping their homes warm.
Your local council may also be able to help with cash and grants if you are struggling with bills through the Household Support Scheme.
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