Nine million UK households enter winter without energy credit

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 09:58 · Archive

More than nine million UK households lack energy credit or are in arrears as the winter heating season begins.

More than nine million UK households are facing the winter without an energy bill safety net, according to Uswitch research. The households have either failed to build up credit ahead of winter or are already behind on payments. The research found that two in five bill-payers are more worried about heating costs this year than last.

Only 55 per cent of account holders currently have money in credit, a significant decline from almost two-thirds in 2022. Of those with credit, just 29 per cent have saved £300 or more. The typical balance stands at between £51 and £100.

Around 3.4 million households are already in debt to their energy supplier, with a combined estimated shortfall of £750 million. Those in arrears owe an average of £220 each as they enter the coldest months. Just over a quarter of indebted customers owe more than they did last year, while nearly one in ten have moved from credit into arrears.

Many households struggle to address their debts. One in ten say they cannot afford to clear what they owe, whilst 20 per cent hope their balance reduces without action. The research shows 40 per cent of households are more anxious about energy bills, up from 28 per cent in 2025.

How it is being reported

• Millions face winter with no energy credit as heating costs spark concernMore than nine million households enter winter with no energy credit cushion or in arrears as January price cap rises loom, Uswitch research reveals.Romsey Advertiser · 21 Oct, 09:44
• Millions face winter with no energy credit as heating costs spark concernMore than nine million households enter winter with no energy credit cushion or in arrears as January price cap rises loom, Uswitch research reveals.Basingstoke Gazette · 21 Oct, 09:44
• Millions face winter with no energy credit as heating costs spark concernMore than nine million households enter winter with no energy credit cushion or in arrears as January price cap rises loom, Uswitch research reveals.Andover Advertiser · 21 Oct, 09:44

In this story: Uswitch · UK

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