According to Citizens Advice, there are now 5.3 million people who owe energy suppliers money. The organization also reports that 800,000 people went without gas or electricity for more than a day in 2023 due to inability to pay top-ups.
According to the independent, state-funded advice service, more people than ever who are unable to pay for energy are receiving assistance from its advisors. It’s anticipated that this winter will be the busiest ever for those unable to pay their meters.
Based on their research, there are now more than 5.3 million people who owe money on their energy bills. People who owe money run the risk of having a prepayment meter installed against their will in their home, which they might not be able to maintain.
Following outcry when an undercover investigation by The Times revealed that major energy companies were installing meters in the homes of vulnerable users, such meter installation has temporarily stopped and has since resumed.
It coincides with the increase in energy prices this month due to the energy price cap, and according to Citizens Advice data, 800,000 people in 2023 went over a 24-hour period without gas or electricity due to their inability to pay top-ups.
Additionally, according to the study, 1.7 million people were disconnected at least once a month in 2017.
