In response to the latest figures from Ofgem showing energy debt levels have been broken records again, with £3.69bn now owed, Money Advice Trust is renewing its calling for urgent help for households facing unaffordable energy debts.
The figures were released ahead of the latest energy price cap increase, which came into effect on 1st October 2024, with energy bills rising by 9.5% to £1,717 for the average household.
Money Advice Trust’s Help to Repay campaign is calling for dedicated support for people trapped in energy debt through repayment matching and debt write-off.
Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said:
“These latest record-breaking energy debt figures only highlight what we have been saying for some time – without urgent support for households facing unaffordable arrears, energy debt will only rise further. Colder months and higher energy prices are set to add to the pressure many people are already under as they struggle to keep up with their bills. A Help to Repay scheme, with repayment matching and debt write-off options, is needed now more than ever.”
National Debtline is available to provide free, independent advice for anyone worried about their energy bills or meeting other costs: www.nationaldebtline.org