Published • loading... • Updated
Nine million homes heading into winter in energy debt, survey suggests
Uswitch said 65% of indebted customers were contacted by suppliers, but only 12% were helped to arrange repayment plans.
- Around 3.4 million UK households are in debt to energy suppliers, owing an estimated combined £750m, research from Uswitch indicates. Those in arrears owe an average of £220 each heading into the coldest months.
- Only 55% of billpayers are in credit this year, a decline from 64% in 2022, as many households failed to build typical summer buffers. Even among those with positive balances, just 29% have saved £300 or more.
- Anxiety regarding energy costs has risen to 40% of households, up from 28% in 2025. Consequently, 43% of billpayers plan to wear extra clothing instead of turning on heating, while 8% intend to spend less on food.
- Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty urged the Chancellor to commit to "crisis support" in next week's Budget. She called for expanded help to households in receipt of child benefit and Pip to protect vulnerable families.
- Forecasts indicate the energy price cap could climb 22% early next year, potentially adding £431 to average annual bills. Uswitch advises households on standard variable tariffs to contact suppliers early or check for fixed deals currently available.
Insights by Ground AI
19 Articles
19 Articles
Telegraph & Argus+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Nine million UK homes enter winter with no energy bill buffer
More than nine million households enter winter with no energy credit cushion or in arrears as January price cap rises loom, Uswitch research reveals.
·Bradford, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Millions of UK households heading into winter in energy debt, new figures show
Around 3.4 million households – nearly one in eight – are in debt to their supplier, owing an estimated £750 million, or an average of £220 each
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Center
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
84% Center
11%
C 84%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
