A RECORD increase in energy bills for 15 million households this autumn threatens to plunge huge numbers into fuel poverty, campaigners and unions warned today.

As reported in the Morning Star earlier this week, watchdog Ofgem announced annual increases of up to £153 in annual bills — the biggest jump since the cap was introduced — charities pleaded with ministers to rethink their decision to end the £20 universal benefit boost.

The latest rise, on top of a £96 hike in April, will see those on default tariffs paying £139 more, up to an average of £1,277 a year.