Energy debt statistics raise concerns

According to uSwitch.com, statistics on energy debt and disconnections from Ofgem `raise growing concerns about the affordability of energy in Britain today`, headlinemoney.co.uk reports.

The figures show that 1.1 million electricity customers, along with 800,000 gas customers, are `officially` repaying a debt. The number of customers entering into new debt repayment arrangements with their providers rose by 19% for electricity and 18% for gas.

The average level of debt being repaid has increased from £256 to £277 for electricity, and from £209 to £287 for gas.

The figures, however, do not include customers who are not on debt repayment arrangements.

Separate research by uSwitch.com has found that 5.5 million (21% of) households in the UK are in debt to their providers, and the average debt on bills now stands at £132. This is 5% higher than the £126 seen in 2009 and 16% more than the £114 seen in 2008.