Cost of living burdens one in five who resort to buying groceries on credit

The problem of energy disconnections persists, with over two million individuals encountering monthly disconnections from their energy provider. Shockingly, one in five people have experienced disconnections within the last year, enduring at least 24 hours without gas or electricity, according to a report from a charitable organization.

In the past year alone, the organization has observed a staggering 229% increase in the number of individuals seeking advice on this matter.

Determined to address this issue, Dame Clare Moriarty of Citizens Advice emphasized the difficulties faced by individuals struggling to pay their bills, as they are often forced onto prepayment meters that they cannot afford to top up. This situation places them at risk of inhabiting cold, damp, and dark homes.

Considering the urgency of the matter, Dame Clare Moriarty stressed the need for new protections to prevent people from being fully disconnected from their energy supply. She further called for a complete ban on energy companies forcing financially vulnerable individuals onto prepayment meters. If Ofgem, the energy regulator, fails to take action, she urged the government to intervene.

In response to this pressing issue, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy highlighted its efforts to support households facing the rising cost of living, such as the energy price guarantee. Additionally, the department clarified that prepayment meters can only be installed without consent as a last resort for debt recovery.

Ofgem declared that leaving vulnerable customers without power is “completely unacceptable.” The regulator recently conducted a review on how energy suppliers treat vulnerable customers and assured that it will take further action as needed.