The Guardian view on energy costs: vulnerable households need help with their bills | Editorial
Soaring prices are plunging struggling families into debt. The government must support them in the short term as it invests in a clean energy futureFuelled by the consequences of D
By The Guardian
Household energy debts in Britain have reached a record £6bn, with trade body Energy UK saying the figure was at the end of June and could rise to £7bn by the end of the year. The warning comes as the energy price cap is due to rise by 4% in October to a three-year high.
The figures add to pressure on struggling households already facing higher bills after a summer increase linked to global gas market moves. Energy UK said more than 3 million customers are now in debt or arrears.
A separate report said the average annual bill for a typical household paying by direct debit will rise by £60 to £1,723 from October if the cap stays at that level for a full year. More than a third of households are on fixed tariffs and will not see their prices change immediately.
The Guardian’s editorial said vulnerable families are being pushed into difficult choices, including whether to cut back on food, miss other payments or stay cold this winter. It argued that short-term support is needed while the government invests in a cleaner energy system.