More than nine million households have no energy credit for the winter period when they should have built up a balance to cover the increased cost of heating, according to a survey.
Two-fifths of those in arrears say their debt is higher than last year while a quarter believe their position has remained unchanged. Roughly one-in-seven say they have moved from being in credit a year ago to now being in debt. Read more: DWP benefits that qualify for £150 Warm Home Discount - full list and eligibility criteria
Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch, said: “Building up a war chest of around two months of energy credit is important as we head into winter, and it’s worrying that more than nine million households have no buffer against the coldest months. Average household energy debt for autumn is at the highest level we’ve seen in more than five years.