New statistics reveal that one in three UK adults are currently in debt to their energy provider or worried about falling behind, as a 13 per cent increase in the price cap looms from July. The survey, conducted for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, highlights a median debt of £750 among those struggling.
Impact on Families and Disabled People
The figure rises to 45 per cent among parents with children under 18 and 35 per cent among disabled individuals. Among those already in debt, 13 per cent owe money to someone who makes them feel scared, increasing to 24 per cent for those in arrears.
Sacrifices and Hardship
Nearly a third of those in energy debt have cut back on heating or showers, while 25 per cent keep their homes at uncomfortable temperatures. One in five have skipped meals, and 18 per cent have turned to food banks. Additionally, 21 per cent have missed rent or mortgage payments.
Supplier Support Inconsistent
The coalition found mixed support from suppliers. Only 15 per cent of those in arrears were referred to hardship funds, and 15 per cent were on repayment plans. However, 13 per cent had no contact from their supplier in the past year. Just 18 per cent felt they were treated fairly, and only 8 per cent received debt advice.
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: "These figures lay bare the true cost of years of failure to fix energy debt caused by sharp increases in bills. Millions are in debt or worried, yet price shock profiteers post billions in profits."
Janine Michael, chief executive of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, urged: "The long-awaited energy debt relief scheme must be brought forward urgently. But debt relief alone is a sticking plaster; the real fix is reducing energy use through efficiency and phasing out gas."
Ned Hammond from Energy UK noted: "Household energy debt has doubled to £5.5 billion and could reach £7 billion by year-end. A comprehensive debt strategy, starting with Ofgem's Debt Relief Scheme, is required."
