One third of UK adults face energy debt or payment worries

A third of UK adults are either in debt to their energy supplier or are worried about falling behind on payments, according to new research published ahead of a scheduled 13 percent increase in the energy price cap next month. The survey, commissioned by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, reveals that millions of households are resorting to skipping meals, turning off heating, and missing housing payments to cope with unaffordable bills.

The research indicates that approximately one in three UK adults is affected, with the burden falling disproportionately on families and vulnerable groups. Among parents with children under 18, 45 percent are either in debt or worried about falling behind, while the figure is 35 percent for disabled people. For those already in arrears, the median amount owed to suppliers is £750.

Households are taking drastic measures to manage costs. Over the past year, 32 percent of those in energy debt have used less energy by turning off heating or taking shorter showers, while 25 percent have kept their homes at an uncomfortable temperature. More than one in five (21 percent) have missed a rent or mortgage payment, and the same proportion have skipped meals...