Uswitch warns nine million UK households of low energy credit ahead of winter

Uswitch’s latest study indicates that roughly nine million UK households may face winter without sufficient energy credit, prompting the company to advise early contact with suppliers. Only 55% of respondents have credit this year, a decline from 64% the previous year, while 5.8 million households sit at a zero balance and 3.4 million owe an estimated £750 million in total. The average debt per household is about £220, with 26% of debtors owing more than a year ago and 9% having slipped from credit into debt.

Younger adults bear the brunt: 17% of those aged 18-34 are in debt versus 7% of over-55s, and a higher share of the younger group use prepayment meters. Uswitch recommends using its energy-help guide, considering fixed-rate deals, and seeking supplier support or government schemes such as the Warm Home Discount.