Nearly 60,000 UK households sought help amid soaring energy costs

LONDON

Nearly 60,000 people in England and Wales sought help as energy bills soared by 20% over the past year, according to a network of charities on Friday.

Citizens Advice revealed that it supported 60,000 households struggling to cope with the spiraling cost of gas and electricity – double the figure recorded in 2020.

It reported that soaring energy bills were the most common issue raised by those seeking help.

Many households faced large catch-up bills, which averaged £2,500 ($3,057) last year. The organization warned that while billing issues are not new, the consequences have become far more severe due to increases in energy prices.

Energy prices have continued to rise sharply, exacerbating financial pressures on households.

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, increased the price cap by 1.2% on Jan. 1, bringing the average annual energy bill for millions of households to £1,738.

Another 3% hike is expected in April, potentially pushing bills even higher.

The current price cap is nearly £600 more than it was at the start of 2022, as Russia’s war on Ukraine sent energy prices skyrocketing.

These increases come at a time when the UK is experiencing its coldest January in 15 years, leading to heightened demand for heating.