ENERGY bills could soar by up to 50 per cent in the spring, new figures suggest, as the government was urged to “get a grip” on the cost-of-living crisis facing the nation. 

Trade body Energy UK is calling on ministers to intervene to help cut the costs of bills as soaring wholesale energy prices push smaller energy firms out of business. 

Energy UK chief executive Emma Pinchbeck has described the situation as a “nationwide crisis.” 

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Domestic energy prices are going to go up 45 per cent to 50 per cent in the spring. It is looking pretty serious.”

“This is a system-wide issue now. We are asking for the Treasury to intervene as others have [in Europe].”

Household bills are expected to rise significantly in April after energy regulator Ofgem is set to raise the price cap, now at a record £1,277. 

Responding to the warnings, Labour’s shadow climate change and net-zero secretary Ed Miliband said the government’s failure to act shows it is “out of touch” with the reality facing many families. 

“Families and businesses are facing an energy price crisis because a decade of Conservative failure has left us deeply vulnerable as a country,” he said. 

"The government cannot simply stand by and let families be clobbered by rises in bills of hundreds of pounds.”

The Scottish National Party has also urged the British government to “get a grip” on the crisis. 

SNP shadow energy and climate change spokesperson Alan Brown MP said: “There can be no more delays from the Tories. It is time to step up and perform their moral duty to families the length and breadth of the country.”