CAMPAIGNERS blasted energy regulator Ofgem today for leaving vulnerable households in “dire situations” after it refused to lower standing charges on bills.

Despite energy debt ballooning to £3.8 billion, the regulator confirmed it will not lower the charges, which customers pay regardless of how much energy they use.

It came after a year-long consultation in which Ofgem received 30,000 submissions on the public’s views on the charges.