Wednesday 10th of November 2010
There are almost two million Brits with debts relating to their energy bills, it has been revealed.
According to the Ofgem quarterly debt and disconnections report, this figure does not take into account those who are in the red on their repayments but have not undertaken a programme to resolve their financial situation.
The research recorded a 21 per cent rise in the number of individuals with gas debts of over £600 in the second quarter of the year compared to the same three months in 2009, while the average amount those in the red for the energy source owe rose by 14 per cent to £307.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said the study showed people are still struggling to cope with the price rises that occurred in 2008 and are now faced with another year of hikes.
"Now that prices are expected to be on the rise again the knock-on effect will be even more households falling into debt as they struggle to play catch up," she added.
Last month, Ms Robinson's company published research that showed three-fifths of Brits fear the cost of heating their homes this winter.
By Hayley Jones
