Record energy debt could worsen without home upgrades

"Britain faces a deepening energy crisis with household debt to suppliers hitting a record £4.4 billion. As another winter energy price rise takes effect, campaigners warn millions risk falling behind on bills once again. Experts say the only long-term solution lies in upgrading millions of draughty, inefficient homes, as a new generation of "zero-energy-bill" houses shows what's possible."

"The increase takes annual costs for a typical household to around £1,755, up £35 on the previous quarter. But behind the modest percentage lies a mounting crisis. Ofgem figures show households now owe £4.4 billion to energy suppliers, the highest level since records began. More than one million homes have no arrangement in place to repay their debt. Energy UK, the trade body for suppliers, said the figures underline the need for an "enduring, properly targeted" system of support."

""The level of help remains insufficient for those who need it most," said Ned Hammond, deputy director at the organisation. "Without structural reform, the number of people unable to pay will only rise." Consumer groups and housing experts warn the UK's failure to improve its ageing housing stock is trapping millions in high bills. The country's homes lose heat up to three times faster than in many parts of Europe, largely due to poor insulation and outdated heating systems."

Household energy debt in Britain has reached a record £4.4 billion as energy bills rise with Ofgem's price cap increase. Typical annual bills for a household are around £1,755, up £35 on the previous quarter. More than one million homes have no repayment arrangement for their debt. Energy UK said support levels are insufficient and called for enduring, properly targeted support and structural reform. The long-term solution lies in upgrading millions of draughty, inefficient homes. Poor insulation and outdated heating systems cause homes to lose heat up to three times faster than in many parts of Europe. Contractors say they are ready to deliver retrofit programmes but lack clear, long-term funding and policy stability.

Read at Homebuilding