Uswitch published research on 15 October 2025 finding that energy debt across the UK has risen to an eight-year high, with £780 million owed in total and the average household owing £223 to its supplier1. The research also found that more than ten million UK homes have no energy credit at all1.
The findings cover the whole of the UK; no breakdown by nation, supplier or payment method has been reported1. Uswitch attributes the rise to several possible causes, including underpaying for energy over the summer, being on a standard variable tariff where prices change through the year, and less widespread financial government support this year compared with previous years1. It notes that customers would in theory build a buffer by overpaying in summer and using less energy, but that more than ten million homes hold no credit1.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said:
Gallizzi added that for those paying by direct debit it is ideal to have a cushion of about two months' worth of energy credit at this point in the year1. Uswitch states that the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment are still running and usually need no application, with eligible households paid automatically1. It also states that Ofgem requires suppliers to work with struggling customers on realistic payment plans, and points to free advice from charities including StepChange, National Energy Action and Citizens Advice1. Uswitch is offering 25 hours of free electricity in November to customers who sign up by 31 October1.
Why it matters for households
Energy debt is the clearest measure of how many homes are not covering their usage as it happens, and it sits directly against the goal of a household running its own energy position rather than borrowing against future bills. A household carrying arrears has less room to fix a tariff, switch supplier or invest in efficiency, because debt can block a switch and because the arrears themselves absorb the money that would otherwise go towards reducing consumption. The absence of credit in more than ten million homes matters for the same reason: without a buffer built over the summer, winter usage lands on the account as it is incurred, and direct debit levels are then revised upwards. The Household Energy Debt and Arrears Statistics page sets out the wider arrears picture, and Energy Bills and Energy Independence explains how billing arrangements relate to a home's control over its own supply. Households in arrears may also need the British Gas Energy Trust route or the process for complaining about a back bill.
What happens next
Direct debit levels are expected to be updated as winter usage is assessed, which Uswitch links to the prospect of a bill shock1. The 25 hours of free electricity offer requires sign-up by 31 October 20251. No date has been reported for publication of updated official debt figures.