UK energy bills: 1.7 million people plan to skip heating this winter

Approximately 1.7 million people in Britain—roughly 6 per cent of the population—report they will not turn on their central heating this winter due to high costs. This comes as Ofgem’s energy price cap increased on October 1, raising the average annual bill for a typical household from £1,663 to £1,723.

Forecasts suggest further increases, with the price cap potentially rising to £1,999 in January, a 16 per cent jump. Research from Uswitch indicates that 37 per cent of those planning to forgo heating could actually afford it but choose not to in order to save money.

To cope with the cold, half of those surveyed plan to use alternatives such as electric blankets, hot water bottles, or extra clothing, while 19 per cent intend to use portable heaters or log burners. The NHS recommends maintaining a minimum temperature of 18 degrees, noting that older individuals or those with health conditions may require higher temperatures.