New figures from Energy UK reveal that domestic customer energy debt has likely reached a record £6 billion in the first half of this year. This figure is projected to increase to £7 billion by the end of 2026.
The trade body also highlighted that the October price cap, to be announced tomorrow by Ofgem, is anticipated to be at a three-year high. Over three million customers are currently in debt or arrears, with the average amount owed standing at approximately £1,800.
Energy UK is renewing its call for action, proposing a 'social discount' scheme that would use income, health, and energy consumption data to provide targeted assistance. Other suggested measures include increased use of smart pay-as-you-go meters and new regulations for people moving into properties to help prevent debt accumulation.
Dhara Vyas, Energy UK’s Chief Executive, stated that earlier warnings about customer debt were proving accurate, with the climbing debt mountain causing worry, adding costs to bills, and threatening suppliers' financial viability.