There are actually 3.2 million households in debt to their vitality provider with common arrears at a five-year excessive, in accordance with a report.

Data from Uswitch.com confirmed an 11% rise within the variety of clients who owe cash to companies in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months.

Its survey discovered that the typical debt was £216 – up 13% on autumn 2022.

The worth comparability service prompt greater than 9 million households had no energy credit score going into winter – the time of 12 months when houses have a tendency to make use of essentially the most gasoline and electrical energy.

Its findings had been launched as charities elevate considerations over the winter forward, given the removal of universal taxpayer support for energy bills and smaller sums for essentially the most weak.

The vitality ingredient of the cost of living crisis has eased since final winter however there are fears the battle within the Middle East will mix with different components to boost payments from January when the subsequent worth cap overview takes impact.

Oil costs have climbed since June to face at $90 a barrel whereas wholesale pure gasoline contracts for winter supply surged final week.

October’s determine stood at its highest level since February on Friday.

The rising degree of arrears has prompted a warning that households may face a one-off cost of £17 a 12 months to assist stop vitality suppliers going bust.

The subsequent worth cap announcement, due in simply over a month’s time, is predicted to see clients going through common annual payments again above the £2,000 degree.

Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch, mentioned: “Building up a struggle chest of round two months of vitality credit score is essential as we head into winter, and it is worrying that greater than 9 million households don’t have any buffer in opposition to the coldest months.

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“Average household energy debt for autumn is at the highest level we’ve seen in more than five years and with the price cap changing every three months – households are facing even more uncertainty this year as prices are expected to rise again in January.

“If your vitality account goes into debt or you might be behind in your invoice funds, converse to your supplier as quickly as doable.

“They should be able to help you find a solution, such as working out a more affordable payment plan. You may also find you are eligible for additional support such as hardship funds and other energy help schemes.”