Good Morning Britain halts live broadcast for major breaking news update
Good Morning Britain's regular schedule was halted during Friday's show (May 23) to announce some breaking news, with viewers quick to share their opinions online. During the latest episode, it was revealed that the energy price cap is to drop by seven per cent.
Energy supplier Ofgem confirmed that household energy bills will fall from July this year. Households can expect some relief on their energy bills, with the average annual cost set to fall by £129 to £1,720 under the new energy cap price.
The cap, introduced by regulators, sets the limit on how much firms can charge customers per unit of electricity and gas.
The new figure marks a significant drop of £660 - 28 per cent - compared to the peak of the energy crisis at the start of 2023, when soaring prices led the government to step in with the energy price guarantee, to help households with extreme costs, Bristol Live reports.
Despite the decrease, energy bill prices remain relatively high. With the upcoming price cap remaining £152 - 10 per cent - higher that it was during the same period last year.
GMB viewers were quick to share their opinions on Twitter, now X. As one person said: "Shock energy bill goes down in Summer ! #GMB" while a different user joked: "Fall in July rises again in winter #gmb."
Meanwhile another viewer wrote: "Absolutely no point in dropping energy prices when we don't need heating when it only gets cranked back up when we switch the central heating back on in autumn #gmb."
With another agreeing, as they sarcastically penned: "Let's all celebrate the energy price cap drop - as we approach summer. LOL."
Host Adil Ray also highlighted the seasonal affect on energy usage live on air, telling news correspondent Nick Dixon: "Nick, energy prices will fall this summer but they still are high and the reality is people don't use as much energy, especially heating, at this time of year.
"But will it be a relief, do you think to some?"
To which Nick responded: "Yeah, of course, I mean it's some positive news. It's a step in the right direction.
"But the fact is, Adil, for many, energy bills are still completely unaffordable. So going into the summer months, yeah, it is good news but really it's just a bit of breathing space really at best!"
This follows comments from Tim Jarvis, Ofgem's Director General of Markets, who stated: "A fall in the price cap will be welcome news for consumers, and reflects a reduction in the international price of wholesale gas. However, we're acutely aware that prices remain high, and some continue to struggle with the cost of energy.
"The first thing I want to remind people is that you don't have to pay the price cap – there are better deals out there so it's important to shop around, and talk to your existing supplier about the best deal they can offer you. And changing your payment method to direct debit or smart pay as you go can save you up to £136.
"In the longer term, we need an energy system where prices are insulated from the volatile international gas market, and which ensures more stable prices and energy security."
"And we're working closely with the government to get the investment we need to reach our clean power and net zero targets as quickly as possible," he continued.
As he concluded by saying: "We're also doing everything we can to support consumers today and pushing ahead with more changes to help consumers. This includes working on ways to support those trapped in energy debt and bringing in reforms to standing charge tariffs for this winter."
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