Energy bills for many households will rise on Thursday, just as a series of cold weather health alerts have been issued across large parts of the UK.

The 0.2% increase in Ofgem’s energy price cap will equate to an increase of around 28p per month for the average household in England, Wales and Scotland remaining on a standard variable tariff.

This equates to an average overall bill of £1,758 per year, up from £1,755 currently.

The regulator said funding for nuclear projects and reductions on some households’ winter bills were behind the increase announced in November.

This included funding the government’s Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk – with an average of £1 added to each household’s energy bills per month for the duration of the £38 billion build.

The increase in fixed charges – the amount consumers pay each day for their homes to have energy – was also largely due to costs linked to the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.

Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, are eligible for the £150 reduction this winter.

However, the regulator said the new price cap was £37 lower than a year ago, when adjusted for inflation.

Ofgem’s price cap sets a maximum rate per unit and ongoing charges that customers can be charged when not on a fixed rate.

This does not limit the total amount of bills, because households still pay for the amount of energy they use.

The price cap increase comes just as a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for parts of Scotland north of the Central Belt, from 6am on New Year’s Day until midnight on January 2.

Meanwhile, orange cold health alerts have been issued for the north east and north west of England, which are expected to remain in force until midday on January 5, with temperatures expected to drop to 3-5°C.

Yellow cold health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) for London and the east, south-east and south-west of England, as well as the East and West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “It’s true that every little bit doesn’t help as households spend a fifth winter in the energy bill crisis. Tiny changes to price caps still hit hard for families choosing between heating and eating.”

“People continue to live in cold, damp homes, where risks go beyond discomfort and can extend to real danger, including exposure to carbon monoxide. Young adults, private renters and households with children are among those most at risk as people turn down the heating, delay repairs and try to block drafts just to stay warm.

“Meanwhile, the energy industry as a whole has made more than £125 billion in profits in the UK since 2020, including companies operating in a declining North Sea. This is not a crisis of shortages, it is a crisis of priorities. Ministers must go beyond short-term price cap adjustments and get serious about eliminating fuel poverty by investing in energy efficiency, reforming energy prices, introducing a fair social tariff and fully funding the Warm Homes plan.”

There are several deals on the market at prices below the ceiling price, so now is a good time to shop around if you’re looking to repair

Which? Energy editor Emily Seymour said: “As we head into the colder months of the year, many households will be concerned about the slight increase in the energy price cap in the new year.

“There are several deals on the market for less than the cap price, so now is a good time to shop around if you’re looking to resolve the issue. Generally, we recommend looking for deals that are cheaper than the current cap price, no longer than 12 months, and without significant exit fees.

“If you are on a variable tariff, make sure you submit a meter reading to ensure you pay the cheapest rates for any energy used before the new price cap comes into force.”

Cambodian police officers stand guard while awaiting the release of 18 soldiers after being captured and detained by the Thai army, at the old international airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. | Photo credit: AP

“The Wire” star Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died. He was 71 years old.

Whitlock died peacefully in New York on Tuesday after battling a short illness, his manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed to the Associated Press.

Whitlock was best known for his role as corrupt senator Clay Davis on HBO’s “The Wire.”

“The Wire” star Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died. He was 71 years old. (Getty Images)

Liebman took to Instagram on Tuesday to honor Whitlock following his passing.

“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him, you loved him. A brilliant actor and an even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be greatly missed,” Liebman wrote alongside images of the actor.

DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Whitlock also plays a significant role in “Veep,” playing George Maddox, the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. is best known for his role on HBO’s “The Wire.” (Getty Images)

The actor also appeared in some Spike Lee films, including “BlacKkKlansman”, “Da 5 Bloods”, “She Hate Me”, “25th Hour”, “Red Hook Summer” and “Chi-Raq”.

In “25th Hour,” Whitlock introduced his signature phrase, “sheeeeeit,” which was his interpretation of “sh-t.” His phrase became so popular that the writers of “The Wire” decided to incorporate it into his character’s lingo.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

“I was, I think, at Grand Central Station and in the distance I heard someone say it and he was smiling,” he said. “I’m glad people like it,” Whitlock said in a 2008 interview.

Whitlock also appeared in a number of Spike Lee films. (Getty Images)

Whitlock also had a role in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas.”

Whitlock’s last TV role was on Netflix’s “The Residence.” The series premiered on the streaming service in March. He also served as a voice actor in the Pixar animated film, “Hoppers”, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP