CAMPAIGNERS and trade union leaders urged the government today to tackle high electricity prices and boost insulation in next week’s Budget.

The Energy Crisis Commission, which brings together representatives from Energy UK, the Confederation of British Industry, Citizens Advice and National Energy Action (NEA), highlighted the continuing struggles of households, especially the elderly, low-income families and homeless people, as temperatures drop.

The call came as an emergency severe weather plan was activated for the first time this winter in London, warning of pressure across the health and social care sectors.

While welcoming the government’s commitment to clean energy, the commission said the transition will stall unless ministers take meaningful steps to lower bills. 

It warned that Britain remains critically exposed to further energy market volatility and price spikes due to its heavy reliance on gas.

The group urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the Budget to set out how the government will reduce the gap between electricity and gas prices, in order to support the energy transition. 

It said ministers should also review how policy costs, which fund renewable energy projects and social schemes, are charged. 

These are currently added to household bills, but the commission suggested moving them into general taxation or spreading them more evenly across energy types to ease costs for consumers.

Campaigners also called for the publication of the delayed warm homes plan, expected to outline energy efficiency measures, including insulation and low-carbon heating for low-income households.

Citizens Advice director of energy Gillian Cooper said: “With energy bills still far higher than before the crisis and millions in energy debt, Citizens Advice is bracing for another tough winter, helping people heat their homes and keep the lights on.

“The government’s expanded support this winter is welcome, but it’s not enough. It must cut electricity costs so people see the benefits of clean, renewable power.”

NEA chief executive Adam Scorer described the crisis as “a worsening of a terrible norm” for thousands of households who “still face the daily reality of cold, damp homes and impossible choices.”

He said: “The energy crisis should commit us to the necessary actions that will make an affordable, warm and healthy home a reality for all, regardless of income and personal circumstance.”

The TUC also warned today that working people continue to struggle with energy, food and water bills despite falling inflation. 

The consumer price index fell to 3.6 per cent in October, down from 3.8 per cent in September. 

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said ministers must make tackling the affordability crisis “a top priority” and called for a clear plan to cut bills, alongside lower interest rates to relieve pressure on households.

A Treasury spokesperson said the government does not comment on Budget speculation but stressed that action is being taken, including extending the warm homes discount and funding energy efficiency upgrades for low-income homes.

Wintry conditions across the country also saw 7cm of snowfall in parts amid freezing temperatures. 

Multiple Met Office yellow warnings for ice and snow have been issued for the coming days, covering parts of Wales, northern and south-westerly parts of England and much of Scotland.

Age UK urged the public to check on older relatives and neighbours during the cold spell. 

Charity director Caroline Abrahams warned: “Snow, arctic air plunges, the cost-of-living crisis and additional demands on the NHS make it vital that older people stay as fit, warm and well as they can. 

“Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on their health, especially if they are already managing existing illnesses.”