Energy UK, the trade body representing energy suppliers, has urged the government to implement a new "social discount" scheme to better support households struggling with high energy bills this winter. The call comes as regulator Ofgem is expected to announce a 4% increase in the energy price cap on Wednesday, reaching a three-year high. This follows a sharper 13% rise in July, driven by factors including the conflict in the Middle East and heatwaves across Europe that increased demand for power generation.