More than 10 million UK households are worried about being able to afford their energy bills this winter, according to research from Citizens Advice.
The charity estimates that 3.5 million households are currently in energy debt, either behind on payments or unable to top up prepayment meters.
The research found that only 19% of people in energy debt had been proactively contacted by their supplier with offers of support.
The concern comes as Ofgem announced the 4% rise in the energy price cap, which will cause energy bills to increase as a result.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said that despite the government taking positive action against rising bills with the cut on VAT, more action must be done to protect those most at risk.
She said: “Today’s price cap rise pushes energy prices to a three year high. It’s another sign of the relentless erosion of living standards across the country: energy bills are simply too high, prices leapfrog incomes, and debt levels continue to grow.
“The government must commit to funding a reformed energy support scheme for those who need it most, like single parent families and disabled people.”
Prepayment customers are particularly vulnerable, with 28% reporting that they had lost gas or electricity because they could not afford to top up during the past year. One in five said they typically went without power for at least 12 hours.
Among households in energy debt, 38% said they had reduced spending on food, while 32% reported using less heating even when temperatures were cold.
Citizens Advice is calling for additional government support this winter, including changes to the Warm Home Discount and measures to tackle energy debt.
The charity also wants more renewable policy costs moved from electricity bills to general taxation, arguing this could help reduce pressure on household energy costs.
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