The UK's energy price cap, which limits how much suppliers can charge households for gas and electricity, is set to increase by four per cent in October. This rise is linked to higher wholesale gas prices, which have been affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The increase will bring the average annual energy cost from £1,663 to £1,723, which is roughly £5 more per month or £60 more per year. Analysts are predicting a larger increase in the following year, as global energy markets remain volatile. Andy Burnham, the leader of Greater Manchester, is reportedly looking into ways to help households struggling with high energy bills, including those who are not currently eligible for existing support programs. According to The Telegraph, a new support scheme called the Energy Price Protection Payment (EPPP) could be introduced in January. The EPPP would target those receiving the warm homes discount and others in need of assistance. However, it is unclear whether the scheme would cover the estimated additional 2.5 million households in fuel poverty. The government has not confirmed the details, including the amount of support or how the EPPP would be implemented. The UK government has not denied the reports about the EPPP but has pointed to other measures aimed at reducing energy costs. These include a cut in the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity bills, which is expected to lower the Ofgem price cap by around £45 from October. In April, £150 was already removed from energy bills. The government has also expanded the £150 warm homes discount to around six million households and plans to keep the scheme in place for the rest of the decade. Neil Kenward, director general for markets at Ofgem, the energy regulator, explained that high international gas prices are a key driver of UK energy costs. He welcomed the government's decision to cut VAT on electricity, which would have otherwise led to higher winter bills. Kenward also encouraged customers to consider fixed energy tariffs, which are currently available at £100 or more below the upcoming price cap. He noted that some suppliers offer cheaper rates to smart meter users during off-peak hours and that prepayment customers may save about £45 compared to those using direct debit.