Ofgem will announce the new level of the price cap from April several days earlier than originally anticipated.
In an RNS advisory notice published on this morning (2 February), the energy regulator revealed it will now make the announcement at 11am tomorrow, four days sooner than planned.
The move follows speculation that the government is about to announce billions in loans to energy firms to allow them to provide households with a rebate on their bills, which will be recouped over the years as prices begin to fall.
According to The Times, industry sources believe the government may offer companies access to £6 billion in loans, equivalent to a rebate of £200 for every household.
Additionally more targeted measures for poorer households, including an extension of the warm homes discount, are expected.
High gas prices are expected to see the price cap rise by around £650 from April, with Investec analyst Martin Young landing at a final prediction of £1,924.
However, the cap is expected to increase further still ahead of next winter, with Young predicting it could almost double from its current level of £1,277 to £2,448 for the winter period beginning in October based on current forward wholesale prices.