UNIONS have accused Tory ministers of being “asleep at the wheel for years over Britain’s energy strategy” ahead of another expected jump in the energy price cap.

October’s rate, set to be confirmed by regulator Ofgem today, is likely to be set at £3,554 a year, market analysts warned — a massive increase on the current £1,971, already a record.

This autumn’s total, almost certain to be more than three times last winter’s cap of £1,138, will then be raised to £4,650 in January and an eye-watering £5,000 by next April, consultancy firm Cornwall Insight predicted.