Millions of households are being urged to check what help their energy supplier offers before bills increase this week. The latest rise to Ofgem's energy price cap takes effect from July 1 and comes as new figures suggest many households are already struggling with record levels of energy debt.
Debt advice provider Money Wellness said the summer months are normally the best opportunity for people to catch up on bills, pay off arrears and build up a financial buffer before colder weather returns. However, the organisation warned that many households are instead spending the warmer months paying off historic energy debt, leaving them vulnerable when heating costs begin to climb again later this year.
Energy Debt on the Rise
Money Wellness figures show the average energy debt among its customers has risen by 23 per cent over the past three years, increasing from £1,848 in 2023-24 to £2,270 in 2025-26. Almost half (47%) of people seeking debt advice now have energy arrears, compared with around one in three (32%) three years ago.
According to Ofgem, households across Great Britain owe a record £4.43 billion in domestic energy debt, with around 2.44 million households behind on their bills.
Expert Warning and Advice
Matthew Sheeran, External Relations Manager at Money Wellness, said: "Summer is usually when people have the best chance to rebuild their finances before winter. Lower energy use should give households an opportunity to pay off debts and build a small financial cushion before the heating goes back on. But for many people, that simply isn't happening. Every spare pound is still going towards historic energy debt, and with bills rising again next week, many households will find it even harder to get ahead before winter arrives."
He said many people wrongly assume there is little their supplier can do to help, when a range of support may already be available.
Supplier Support Options
British Gas customers may be able to apply for grants through the British Gas Energy Trust to help clear energy debt. Some grants are also available to people who are not British Gas customers. The supplier also offers tailored repayment plans, emergency credit for eligible prepayment customers and additional support for vulnerable households.
Octopus Energy's Octo Assist programme offers tailored repayment plans, payment support and practical energy-saving advice. In some areas customers can also borrow thermal imaging cameras to identify heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
EDF's Customer Support Fund can help eligible customers struggling with energy debt and, in some cases, provide assistance towards essential household appliances. The supplier also offers affordable repayment plans, budgeting support and referrals for independent debt advice.
E.ON Next's Energy Fund provides grants for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship, including help with energy arrears and, where appropriate, essential household appliances such as fridges, washing machines and cookers.
OVO offers flexible repayment arrangements, payment reviews and tailored support for customers in financial difficulty. Customers can also access energy-efficiency advice and additional assistance through the supplier's customer support services.
ScottishPower's Hardship Fund can help eligible customers reduce or clear outstanding energy debt. The supplier also offers payment plans, energy-efficiency advice and additional support for vulnerable households through the Priority Services Register.
Support from Smaller Suppliers
While many smaller suppliers do not operate large hardship funds, they may still offer flexible repayment plans, payment reviews, emergency credit for prepayment customers and referrals to organisations providing grants, budgeting support and debt advice.
Matthew Sheeran added: "Many people assume there's nothing their supplier can do until they've already fallen behind, but that's often not the case. Asking for help early can open up options that simply aren't available once debts have escalated. The level of support available can vary significantly depending on who supplies your energy. While some suppliers can offer grants or dedicated hardship funds, others provide flexible repayment plans and tailored support."
He said checking what assistance is available now could help households better manage higher energy costs before winter arrives.
