New research by Uswitch suggests some nine million households are heading into winter either behind on energy bills or with no credit built up to soften higher bills, as the firm urged customers to contact their suppliers early to help manage costs.
Credit cushion shrinking
The firm explains that households normally build up energy credit over the warmer months, when little or no heating is required. During these periods they use less energy but keep paying the same monthly direct debit, creating a cushion of credit for when bills rise over winter. But Uswitch says only 55% of bill-payers are in credit this year, down from almost two-thirds (64%) in 2022.
The figures were revealed after research conducted online by Opinium on the company's behalf on 2,000 UK energy bill-payers between October 5 and 12, 2026. The research, weighted to be nationally representative, also found that two in five (40%) bill-payers are more worried about paying for their energy this winter than last year.
Debt levels and demographic impact
Even among those with credit accounts, just three in 10 (29%) have built up £300 or more, it added. Meanwhile, the typical bill-payer has between £51 and £100. The research suggests around 5.8 million are at zero balance with their supplier while 3.4 million are in debt to them, owing an estimated £750 million, an average of £220 each.
The comparison and switching website says that while the number of households in debt and the average amount owed have changed little from a year ago, a sizeable minority are worse off. According to the firm, 26% of those in debt owe more than last year, and 9% have moved from credit into debt. They said 10% can't afford to clear the debt, and 20% hope it will go down on its own.
Younger adults hardest hit
The research suggests younger adults are hardest hit by a lack of energy credit, with one in six (17%) 18 to 34-year-olds in debt to their supplier ahead of winter, more than twice the rate of over-55s (7%). Only 44% of 18 to 34-year-olds are in credit, compared to 64% of over-55s. Meanwhile, 20% of 18 to 34-year-olds are on a prepayment meter, compared to just 4% of over-55s.
Uswitch noted that the Ofgem price cap increased by 3.6% to £1,723 for a typical household on October 1. Some experts have predicted the cap could rise by as much as 25% in January, adding further costs to those on a standard variable tariff.
Consumer actions and advice
Uswitch said the research found a quarter of households (23%) say they know prices are increasing but feel there is nothing they can do about rising bills. They revealed that 25% said they have already acted or plan to, for example, by switching or fixing their tariff, and 10% said they weren't aware prices were due to rise, rising to 20% among 18 to 34-year-olds.
In addition, 65% of people in debt said they have been contacted by their supplier about what they owe, but only 12% said they were helped to arrange a repayment plan. Uswitch directs households struggling with payments to use its energy help guide to see what help may be available, including repayment plans, the Warm Home Discount and supplier support.
Ben Gallizzi, senior content editor and energy spokesperson at Uswitch, told people to get in contact with their suppliers in a timely fashion if they're in arrears.
“Credit is the cushion that turns a frightening winter bill into a manageable one, but for millions, building a summer buffer for the winter simply hasn't happened,” he said. “With the price cap forecast to jump by around a quarter in January, it is no surprise that worry is climbing. Nearly a quarter of people feel there is nothing they can do, but a few simple actions could make a huge difference.
“If you are deeply in arrears on your energy account and not sure what to do, speak to your supplier early and ask for an affordable repayment plan. Find out if you could be entitled to support.
“If you are on a standard variable tariff, it’s not too late to act. There are fixed deals on the market well below the predicted January cap.
“For many, it’ll also be about taking control of the energy being used. Smart meter households can connect to the free Uswitch app to see how much energy they use each day and where to cut back safely to manage winter bills.”
