UK households face soaring energy debt as price cap rises

A new survey by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition finds that one in three adults in the United Kingdom is either in debt to their energy supplier or fears missing a payment ahead of a 13% increase in the energy price cap on 1 July. Households collectively owe about £4.3 billion, with the typical debt at £750 per household. The average price‑cap cost for a dual‑fuel home will rise to £1,862 per year.

The financial strain is forcing many families to cut heating, take shorter showers and keep homes uncomfortably cold or hot. Twenty‑one percent have missed rent or mortgage payments, and the same share have skipped meals. One in eight respondents say they owe money to a lender who makes them feel scared, rising to 24 % among those already in arrears. About 18 % have turned to food banks for help. Simon Francis, coordinator of the coalition, said the figures show a “can’t‑pay crisis”, while Janine Michael of the Centre for Sustainable Energy warned that urgent debt‑relief measures are needed.