Energy debt has passed £5billion for the first time as many households head towards the colder months owing thousands of pounds to suppliers. New figures from Ofgem show the total amount of domestic energy debt and arrears in Britain reached £5.02billion in the second quarter of 2026.
Rise in arrears
That is up 4.8% from £4.79billion in the first three months of the year and 13% higher than the same period in 2025. The figures cover debts and arrears which have been outstanding for more than 91 days.
Ofgem's data also shows the average amount owed by electricity customers in arrears with no repayment arrangement in place stood at £1,872. For gas customers, the average was £1,613. Both figures have risen compared with the same period last year, although they were broadly unchanged from the first three months of 2026.
More households falling behind
The number of households falling behind has also increased. There were 1,187,788 electricity accounts in arrears without a repayment plan at the end of the second quarter, up 5% compared with the previous three months. For gas, the figure also increased by 5% to 954,966 accounts.
Ofgem said the number of domestic customers in arrears has been trending upwards since 2024.
Winter price cap change
The regulator's figures come as households prepare for winter and another change to the Energy Price Cap. From October 1, the cap for a typical household paying by Direct Debit will be £1,723 a year, up around 4% from the current level. The figure is not a maximum bill, as households which use more energy will pay more.
StepChange has warned that the latest debt figures show the pressure facing households, with its own clients who have energy arrears owing an average of £2,676 so far this year. The debt charity said 29% of UK adults it polled were worried about being able to pay their energy bills over the next six months.
Ofgem says anyone struggling to pay their energy bills should contact their supplier, which must offer support such as agreeing an affordable repayment plan or providing emergency credit where appropriate.
