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Energy bills could rise again – what global tensions mean for disabled households
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
March 4, 2026
Last reviewed: 4 March 2026
Applies to: UK
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Global tensions can affect UK energy prices faster than most people realise.
With instability in the Middle East, including tensions involving Iran, wholesale gas markets have shown renewed volatility. Because the UK remains exposed to international gas markets, sudden global events can influence future price cap forecasts and household bills.
If you’re disabled or living in a disabled household, even small increases can feel overwhelming. Here’s what may be happening, what it could mean, and the practical steps you can take now to protect yourself.
At a glance
- The UK is still influenced by global gas markets.
- Conflict or instability can push wholesale prices up.
- Higher wholesale costs may affect future energy price caps.
- Disabled households are often more exposed to rising energy costs.
- There are support schemes available right now.
In this guide
- Why global tensions affect UK energy bills
- What this could mean for disabled households
- What you can do now before prices move
- Support available right now
- Scope disability energy support service
- Energy-saving discounts from Purpl
- Frequently asked questions
- In summary
Why global tensions affect UK energy bills
Even though the UK produces some of its own energy, we still rely on global gas markets. Gas prices are influenced by international supply routes, geopolitical stability and production levels.
When political instability affects major oil or gas-producing regions:
- Wholesale gas prices can spike
- Energy suppliers face higher costs
- Ofgem’s energy price cap forecasts may shift
- Bills become harder to predict
We saw similar patterns during the Ukraine crisis. Markets react quickly to disruptions, particularly around key global supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Ofgem explains how the price cap works.
At the time of writing, no emergency price cap rise has been announced. However, increased volatility raises the risk of future upward adjustments.
Purpl Tip: If you rely on powered medical equipment, make sure you are registered on the Priority Services Register UK before any crisis hits.
What this could mean for disabled households
A £20 to £30 rise may not sound dramatic.
But if you are:
- Running mobility or medical equipment
- Charging a powered wheelchair
- Using extra heating for chronic pain
- Working from home due to disability
- Living on PIP, ESA or Universal Credit
Even small increases can push already tight budgets over the edge.
Research consistently shows disabled households face higher average living costs, sometimes referred to as the “disability price tag”.
Energy instability also increases stress and anxiety — especially when heating and electricity are essential for health.
Purpl Tip: If bills are already stretching you, check whether you qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme for disabled households before winter.
What you can do now before prices move
Rather than waiting for the next Ofgem announcement, there are proactive steps you can take.
1. Join the priority services register
If you have not already registered, contact your supplier and network operator.
The Priority Services Register UK offers:
- Accessible communication formats
- Extra support during power cuts
- Advance notice of planned interruptions
It is free and particularly important during periods of instability.
(Full guide here → link to your PSR article.)
Purpl Tip: Registration does not transfer automatically if you switch supplier.
2. Review your tariff
Fixed tariffs are reappearing on the market. Depending on wholesale forecasts, fixing could reduce uncertainty.
Use Ofgem-accredited comparison sites like USwitch and review carefully before switching.
A smart meter can also help track usage more accurately.
3. Reduce energy loss without sacrificing comfort
We never advise disabled households to “just turn the heating down”.
Instead:
- Lower boiler flow temperature (55–60°C for combi boilers)
- Draught-proof doors and windows
- Use heating timers efficiently
- Close unused rooms
Small changes can reduce waste without compromising warmth.
Support available
If prices rise again, these schemes are especially important:
- Warm Home Discount – £150 off eligible bills
- Winter Fuel Payment – for State Pension age households
- Cold Weather Payments
- Household Support Fund via local councils
- Energy supplier hardship grants
- The WaterSure scheme for medical conditions (for higher water use)
Citizens Advice provides free guidance on energy debt and complaints.
Purpl Tip: Do not wait until you are in arrears to ask for help.
Scope disability energy support service
The Scope Disability Energy Support Service, launched in October 2024 in partnership with Cadent, provides free tailored advice to disabled households.
They offer:
- One-to-one advice sessions
- Help with energy or water debt
- Support accessing grants and benefits
- Assistance with supplier complaints
- Carbon monoxide safety advice
- Help joining the Priority Services Register
- Income maximisation support
If you receive PIP, DLA or ESA — or support someone who does — you are likely eligible.
Find out more at:
https://www.scope.org.uk
Purpl Tip: Even if you are coping now, preventative advice can stop problems escalating.
Energy-saving discounts from Purpl
If you are upgrading appliances or switching supplier, check Purpl first.
We regularly feature:
- Energy supplier switching incentives
- Boiler cover discounts
- White goods offers
- Emergency cover plans
These will not solve global instability but they can reduce your monthly outgoings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about energy price rises
Will energy prices rise because of tensions involving Iran?
Energy markets can react to instability in major oil and gas regions. While no immediate price cap rise has been announced, volatility can increase the likelihood of future adjustments.
How does global conflict affect UK energy bills?
The UK participates in global gas markets. When wholesale prices increase internationally, suppliers face higher costs, which can influence future price caps.
What support is available if my energy bills increase?
You may qualify for the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, local council support, supplier hardship grants, or specialist services like Scope’s Disability Energy Support Service.
Should I fix my energy tariff now?
This depends on current offers and forecasts. Compare carefully using Ofgem-accredited sites before making a decision.
How can disabled households protect themselves from energy instability?
Registering on the Priority Services Register, checking eligibility for support schemes, reviewing tariffs and seeking early advice can all help reduce risk.
In summary
Global tensions do not automatically mean an immediate energy crisis – but they do increase uncertainty.
For disabled households already under pressure, preparation is protection.
Register for priority services.
Check eligibility for support schemes.
Review your tariff carefully.
Seek advice early.
We will continue monitoring developments so you do not have to.
About the author
Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a UK platform dedicated to helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions save money and access clear, trustworthy information. As a disabled entrepreneur and advocate, Georgina regularly writes about disability benefits, mobility access, cost of living pressures and policy changes affecting the disabled community.
Purpl articles are fact-checked using official government sources and reviewed for clarity, accessibility and accuracy before publication.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
Understanding WaterSure and water support for disabled people
Purpl disability benefits and support handbook
How to get help when energy bills rise
Scope disability energy support for disabled people
What is the priority services register and who can apply?
