British Gas is urging UK households to adopt the '30C rule' as energy prices are projected to rise by over £200 this summer. The energy regulator Ofgem announced a 13% increase in the energy price cap, bringing average annual bills for dual-fuel households to £1,862, an increase of approximately £221. To help manage these rising costs, British Gas recommends lowering washing machine temperatures to 30C, which can reduce energy consumption by 40%. A cold wash at 20C can save over 60%. The company highlights that heating and hot water constitute over half of energy bills, making it essential for households to monitor their usage. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband noted that this price increase is unwelcome and attributed to external conflicts, stressing the importance of addressing the financial pressures on families. He committed to monitoring the situation as winter approaches and emphasized the need for measures to reduce oil and gas prices.