Uswitch survey shows nine million UK homes face energy debt this winter
The survey reveals falling credit levels, rising debt and a forecasted £300‑plus winter bill for many families.
By Felo News Desk · Published
More than nine million UK households are heading into winter either in debt to their energy supplier or without any credit on their accounts, a Uswitch survey reported on 20 October 2026.
What happened
The survey found that 55% of bill‑payers are in credit this year, down from 64% in 2022. Among those with credit, only 29% have saved £300 or more, and the typical household holds between £51 and £100 in credit. About 3.4 million homes – roughly one in eight – are already in debt to their supplier, owing an estimated £750 million in total, or an average of £220 per household. Two‑thirds of those in debt say their supplier has contacted them about the amount owed, but only around 12% say they have been helped to arrange a repayment plan.
What the reports add
Both Independent articles cite the same Uswitch figures, but add different context. The first article notes that 40% of households feel more anxious about paying for energy this winter compared with last year, and that experts warned a typical bill could rise by nearly £300 in January because of the Iran war. The second article adds that Ofgem’s energy‑price cap rose 3.6% to £1,723 on 1 October and forecasters predict a further 22% increase in January.
What was said
Ben Gallizzi, energy spokesman at Uswitch.com, told the Independent, “Credit is the cushion that turns a frightening winter bill into a manageable one, but for millions, building a summer buffer for the winter simply hasn’t happened.”
How it came about
The survey follows a sharp rise in household borrowing reported by Felo News on 29 September 2026, when consumer credit hit its fastest growth in 33 years. Earlier guidance on keeping homes warm without raising heating costs was published on 12 October 2026 (stay‑warm‑at‑home‑tips), underscoring the growing financial pressure on families as energy prices climb.
Key facts
- More than nine million UK households are heading into winter in energy debt or without credit. (independent.co.uk)
- 55% of bill‑payers are in credit this year, down from 64% in 2022. (independent.co.uk)
- 3.4 million homes owe an estimated £750 million in total, averaging £220 per household. (independent.co.uk)
- Ofgem’s price cap rose 3.6% to £1,723 on 1 October 2026. (independent.co.uk)
- 40% of households feel more anxious about paying for energy this winter than last year. (independent.co.uk)
Where accounts differ
- Cause of the forecasted January bill increase: Experts warned a typical bill could soar by nearly £300 in January due to the Iran war. (independent.co.uk); Forecasters are predicting a further rise of around 22% in January. (independent.co.uk)
