MSE issues message to 1.6 million homes as energy prices may increase

MSE issues message to 1.6 million homes as energy prices may increaseMartin Lewis founded MSE, and the team have urged people to be carefulCommentsNewsSophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer04:06, 17 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesThe MSE team, which Martin Lews founded, has urged some homes to see if they could benefit from solar panels (Image: Martin Lewis/X)The Money Saving Expert (MSE) team has warned people that energy prices are predicted to rise after this month. But some homes may be able to slash their bills.‌In an update at the start of the month, MSE explains: "On 1 April, the Energy Price Cap fell by 6.7%, meaning a household with typical usage paying by Direct Debit will pay £1,641 a year. The drop in April is largely due the Autumn Budget, when the Government announced it would cut household energy bills by '£150' a year.‌"However, from July, analysts are predicting the Price Cap will rise significantly, due to the recent conflict in the Middle East. Plus wholesale costs remain high and network costs are predicted to rise over the next five years."‌How 1.6 million homes could slash billsView 3 ImagesMartin Lewis is the founder of MSE(Image: ITV)To help keep bills as low as possible, homes with solar panels are being urged to use them. MSE say that there are "more than 1.6 million homes across the UK with solar panels."It adds: "As well as saving you money on energy bills, solar panels can earn you cash. And don't worry, they can still generate electricity on gloomy days, vital when the weather's as dull as dishwater."‌Updated April 13, 2026, its guidance encourages households that already have them to make use of them as soon as possible. But if you don't have them, it may not be worth it.READ MORE: 'Mortgages are so expensive right now, I decided to renovate and live out of my girl van instead'READ MORE: Dad wants 'Temu Range Rover' recalled having broken down after just two weeksH...