Overview

• More than two million customers are in arrears without a repayment plan, including 1,133,683 electricity and 926,545 gas accounts.
• Ofgem data show household arrears have climbed from £1.45bn at the end of 2020 to £4.43bn in the latest update.
• News outlets report the accumulated debt could translate into roughly £145 a year added to typical bills if costs are recovered across customers.
• Campaigners warn some indebted households have turned to illegal moneylenders and urge urgent arrears write‑offs and a national social tariff.
• The government says it is working with Ofgem, expanding the Warm Home Discount to over six million households and strengthening customer protections.