The Good Law Project, a not-for-profit campaign organisation founded by QC Jo Maugham, says it plans to sue Ofgem following its price cap announcement.

In a series of tweets, it said Ofgem is legally required to provide evidence it has carried out a proper impact assessment before raising the cap.

Energy experts are forecasting further grim developments in the price cap over the coming months.

They are warning it could top £7,000 next year.

Ofgem said on Friday the price cap for the average household would increase by 80% to £3,549 for the three months starting in October.

But experts at energy consultancy Auxilione warned the cap could double even from that record high by April next year, hitting £7,263.

The prediction is based on the current cost of buying energy on global markets and also sees bills hitting £5,405 in January.

Fellow consultants at Cornwall Insight are a little more optimistic. Their model expects the cap to only reach £5,387 in January and then £6,616 from April.

Both consultancies then expect bills to fall by between £700 to £800 in July when compared to the April cap.

Elinor Mckenzie says she is afraid her health will deteriorate as she is faced with being unable to afford to heat her home.

Campaigners surrounded the Glasgow office of energy regulator Ofgem in protest at the soaring price cap rise.

Elinor Mckenzie, 79, from Glasgow has loved ones abroad and told STV News she won’t be able to afford to have her family come to stay.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK Government will announce “extra cash” in September to support households during the energy crisis.

Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre in Surrey, he said: “Of course, we could see this coming (energy bills rising) and that’s why we’ve put the steps in place that we already have.

“And don’t forget that, although there will be more announcements next month, more cash coming from September onwards, you shouldn’t forget that the pipeline of cash stretches out throughout the autumn.

“So, there’s going to be another £650 coming for every one of the eight million most vulnerable households in October.

“In November, another £300 to help every pensioner, £150 extra for everybody who is entitled to disability benefits. On top of what we’re doing with Universal Credit and the living wage, lifting both of those up.”

He added: “There’s a pipeline of cash coming through over the next few months and through the autumn and the winter. But that is clearly now going to be augmented, increased, by extra cash that the Government is plainly going to be announcing in September.”

The winner of the Conservative Party leadership contest will be announced on September 5 and will enter No 10 the next day.

Foreign secretary Liz Truss is the favourite against former chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Both have been asked time and again during the campaign about what they would do to tackle the rocketing cost of living.

Truss said she would take "decisive action" and cut taxes to help fix the problems "at the heart of this energy crunch".

She said she would reverse the rise in national insurance and suspend the green levy on energy bills.

Sunak has said he would cut VAT on energy bills as well as providing further support to those on the lowest incomes and pensioners.

Soaring inflation and stagnating wages have seen unions across a slew of industries push for better pay deals.

The summer months were plagued by strikes across Scotland's rail network.

Train drivers followed by Network Rail staff walked out in separate pay disputes.

They were not alone.

Police officers "withdrew goodwill" in a dispute over pay.

North Sea platform workers staged wildcat walkouts.

Thousands of council workers were balloted for strike action.

Now cleansing staff in 25 of Scotland's 32 councils  have downed their high-vis vests and gloves.

Schools and early years centres in 12 local authorities are set to be hit by worker walk-outs next month.

Police Scotland has warned of further unrest, protests and demonstrations as the cost of living crisis deepens.

The cap increased for approximately 22 million customers on April 1, a rise of 54%. Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit saw an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year. 

It was then announced on Friday morning that the cap will increase again in October – this time by 80% to £3,549.

That means energy prices will have risen by some 178% this year. 

STV News looked at how much other items – such as groceries, cinema tickets and a pint of beer – would cost had their prices increased at the same rate as gas and electricity.

It depends on your personal situation.

All households have been promised a £400 discount on their energy bills. This support was announced in May, and will be paid in six monthly payments from October.

For direct debit customers this will be taken off their payments, while prepayment meter customers will be given discount vouchers from the first week of every month. These will be issued by text, email or by post.

Eight million of the most vulnerable households will also get extra support, taking the total they can get to £1,200.

These include a £650 one-off payment to households on means-tested benefits, a £300 payment to pensioners, and £150 for six million people who receive disability benefits.