He estimated that the dividing line could be roughly 12,500kWh of annual gas use but stressed that this could not be confirmed until prices were set.
Mr Lewis also reassured households on fixed tariffs, saying: “If a fix is right for you and will save you money, don’t let this change that.” Existing fixed deals containing standing charges will continue under their agreed terms.
The Chancellor also told him that the Government would speak to Ofgem about removing electricity standing charges. However, Mr Lewis said this was considered “trickier” and would take longer.
Turning to the immediate pressure on households, Mr Lewis highlighted forecasts that the energy price cap could rise by 27 per cent in January.
He said: “I asked the Chancellor whether he will be intervening on that. He told me I’d have to wait for the Budget, but reading between the lines, yes, there will be an announcement today.”
He suggested that any support scheme should be structured around council tax bands, with payments directed to those in Bands A to D as a proxy for household income.
That approach, he argued, would be preferable to simply extending the £150 Warm Home Discount, though he had also floated the idea of doubling that payment to cover the difference for people on low incomes.