The Guardian corrects energy discount figures in cost-of-living coverage

The Guardian has corrected an October 1 article on rising household energy debts in Great Britain after misstating the value of discounts provided by supplier E.ON. The piece originally reported that the company had offered £82 million in relief to struggling customers last year; the correct figure is £92 million.

While seemingly minor, the £10 million difference alters the context of the story. The article portrayed energy firms as offering limited assistance amid “another winter of punishing bills.” The accurate number suggests that one of the UK’s largest suppliers provided more help than first implied, a nuance that affects how readers assess corporate responses to the cost-of-living crisis.

Numerical precision is not a footnote in economic reporting - it shapes public perception of fairness and accountability. Undercounting support risks intensifying anger toward energy providers and skewing debate over regulation and consumer protection. By issuing the correction, The Guardian restored factual accuracy, but the slip reflects the need for heightened care when quantifying relief or hardship during politically charged crises.