According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a record proportion of households in the UK could not pay their energy bills by direct debit due to not having enough money in their bank account.
In April 2025, 2.7% of direct payments for electricity and gas bills failed due to insufficient funds in the bank account. This default rate is the highest since records began in 2019.
ONS data also showed there has been an increase in missed loan and credit card payments. Loans are often used to cover household costs, including energy bills.
A director of Citizens Advice, Gillian Cooper, has urged the government to hasten plans to provide support to families that are struggling to afford energy bills. She also wants the government to honour its pledge to help 5 million homes upgrade their insulation which will reduce energy bills.
The UK has higher energy costs than many other countries, with a strong reliance on expensive gas for heating homes. A coordinator at the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Simon Francis, wants the energy regulator Ofgem to launch its debt-relief scheme as soon as possible for those who are behind with their energy bill payments. Ofgem proposes that energy companies provide affordable payment plans for those in debt and emergency credit for households who risk disconnection.
Another way to reduce energy bills is to have the boiler serviced regularly so that it is energy efficient. For expert boiler service in Chester and Wrexham, contact Xgas.