Energy UK has urged the government to provide more targeted help for households facing higher winter energy bills, saying the current £150 Warm Home Discount is not enough for millions of people. BBC reported that the trade body wants a new social discount scheme that could cost £1.9bn and offer up to £450 in support to some households.

The call comes ahead of Wednesday’s Ofgem announcement on the October energy price cap, which Cornwall Insight expects to rise 4% to a three-year high. Energy UK said 2.5 million more households may need help because of medical conditions or draughty homes, while Ofgem said customers owed suppliers a record £4.7bn at the end of last winter. The group said the new scheme could be funded through bills or by taxpayers.