Good Morning Britain Halts as Charlotte Hawkins Delivers Devastating Breaking News
On Friday morning’s episode of Good Morning Britain (November 22), Charlotte Hawkins shared urgent news about energy costs, leaving viewers bracing for another financial blow. Alongside co-hosts Kate Garraway and Paul Brand, Hawkins announced that Ofgem has raised the price cap for gas and electricity starting in January.
From the new year, the typical annual energy bill for households across England, Scotland, and Wales will increase to £1,738, reflecting a £21 rise, or £1.75 more per month. Breaking the news on air, Hawkins said, “Breaking news in the last few minutes. Ofgem has revealed the typical fuel energy bill from January will be £1,738 a year. That is an increase of £21 from the current level,” as reported by The Express.
The charity National Energy Action (NEA) warned that this hike will deepen the financial strain on vulnerable households already struggling to afford heating during the colder months. Tim Jarvis, Ofgem’s Director General of Markets, acknowledged the challenge. “While today’s change means the cap has remained relatively stable, we understand that the cost of energy remains a challenge for too many households,” he said.
Jarvis emphasized the importance of exploring ways to reduce energy costs, advising consumers to shop around for better deals. “With more tariffs coming into the market, there are ways for customers to bring their bill down,” he suggested. He also highlighted the volatility of international energy markets influenced by geopolitical factors, saying, “It’s more important than ever to stay focused on building a renewable, home-grown energy system to bring costs down and give households stability.”
For those struggling with bills, Jarvis recommended reaching out to suppliers for support and exploring more affordable energy options. While the rise in Ofgem’s cap presents yet another financial hurdle, there’s some relief for consumers. The new cap is £190 lower than the level seen from January to March 2024.
Elsewhere on the show, fans celebrated Paul Brand’s return to the Good Morning Britain studio after his absence since 2022. Brand teased his comeback on social media the day before, sharing a throwback photo with Kate Garraway and humorously captioning it, “Hope @kategarraway is feeling especially patient.” Viewers were delighted to see him back, with one fan commenting, “You’re brilliant at whatever you do. Really looking forward to it.” Another added, “Loving Paul Brand in the studio today.”