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Households across Britain are facing increasing energy costs this winter after the regulator raised its price cap from October 1.

Ofgem’s price cap has risen by £149 from the previous £1,568 a year for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales to £1,717.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Ofgem’s price cap?

The energy price cap sets a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge consumers in England, Scotland and Wales for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use.

The figures provided by Ofgem indicate what a household using gas and electricity, and paying by direct debit, can expect to pay if their energy consumption is typical.

It is important to note that it does not limit a home’s total bills because people still pay for the amount of energy they use – so if it is above the average they will pay more, and if it is below they will pay less.

Energy is regulated separately in Northern Ireland.

Why is the price …