1 in 4 households are behind on energy bills – here’s what you can do if you’re struggling

If you’re finding it hard to pay your energy bills, you’re not alone, and new research proves it. 

According to consultancy Baringa, nearly 1 in 4 UK households (24%) are behind on their energy payments. That’s a big jump from 18% in December 2024 and shows just how many people are still facing money pressures, even though global energy prices have dropped. 

The average person in debt who does not have a repayment plan owes £1,700. 71% of energy debt is from households who do not have repayment plans, while a total £2.3bn of energy debt is now more than a year overdue.  

The research also found customers are paying an average £64.67 in their annual energy bills to cover the costs of bad debt, compared with roughly £40 in the summer of 2022.  

Help with energy bills 

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, here’s what you can do today. 

Talk to your energy supplier 

This is the most important first move. Many energy companies have grants and support funds to help people who are behind. 

Here are some of the main ones: 

• British Gas Energy Trust (open to everyone, not just British Gas customers) 

• Scottish Power Hardship Fund 

• Ovo Energy Fund 

• E.ON Next Energy Fund 

• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund 

• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ 

• Boost Power Energy Bills Support Fund 

Even if your supplier isn’t listed, contact them and ask what help is available. 

Household support fund (HSF) 

HSF is managed by your local council and it can provide cash or vouchers to help with energy bills and other essentials for people who are struggling.  

• You don’t have to be on benefits to apply and  

• it won’t affect any benefits you do receive. 

• Contact your council directly to see if you qualify. 

Fuel vouchers 

If you use a prepayment meter and can’t afford to top up, ask your council, Citizens Advice or local food bank about fuel vouchers. These give you free credit so your gas or electricity doesn’t run out. 

Priority services register 

You could get extra help from your energy and water suppliers if you: 

• have a disability or health condition 

• have a baby under two years old  

• are over state pension age 

• are pregnant 

• struggle with English 

Signing up to the priority services register is free. Just ask your supplier. 

Want to cut your energy bills long-term? 

There are grants to help improve your home and make it more energy efficient. These can include insulation, new heating systems and more. Check out the following schemes:  

• Energy company obligation  

• Great British insulation scheme 

• Home upgrade grant (for homes not using mains gas) 

• Boiler upgrade scheme 

• Connected for warmth scheme 

These are given out by local councils, housing associations or charities. Contact your local council to check what’s available where you live. 

Extra help in winter 

Warm home discount 

If you qualify for the warm home discount, you’ll get £150 off your electricity bill. Your supplier applies it automatically. 

Winter fuel payment 

If you're over state pension age, you could get £100 - £300 to help with heating with the winter fuel payment.  

Help in your part of the UK 

• Scotland: Home energy Scotland offers free advice and grants. 

• Wales: Nest scheme helps with insulation and energy upgrades. 

• Northern Ireland: Check with your local council for available energy grants. 

Want to save more? 

You can take simple steps right now to cut your bills, from closing the curtains, to even cleaning your fridge. We’ve got a list of 50 smart energy-saving tips to help you save on energy and reduce your bills.  

And, if you think you might be missing out on any benefits, use our benefits calculator to check what you could be eligible for.