Devon may get energy bill help

Thousands of households across Exeter and Devon could receive help with rising energy costs if conflict in the Middle East pushes up global fuel prices, ministers have said.

The Government is considering offering nationwide energy bill support as tensions involving Iran threaten to drive up the cost of oil and gas.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said ministers were “preparing for all eventualities” as the situation develops.

Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he suggested universal support for households – similar to the help offered during the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – could be considered if the impact on bills becomes severe.

“How long this conflict goes on will shape what happens to the gas price and bills,” he said, adding that the Government would “stand by people in this crisis”.

Meanwhile Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a separate support package this week for households that rely on heating oil — an issue particularly affecting rural areas such as Devon.

Disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up oil prices, increasing the cost of kerosene used in home heating.

Across Devon, around 26% of homes are not connected to mains gas, with about 41,000 households relying on heating oil. In some rural districts nearly 30% of homes are off the gas grid, leaving many families particularly exposed to sudden increases in global fuel prices.