Even before the European winter sets in and before energy prices rise further, British households already owe energy companies £1.3bn, equivalent to €1.4bn. These numbers are fixed two months before bills rise again by 80%. British consumers don’t usually run into debt with their suppliers during the summer months when energy demand is down. But as industry experts point out, the total cost of energy for British households is already three times higher than just a year ago. So six million UK households owe their service provider an average of £206 each, equivalent to €244, up from £188 in April, equivalent to around €223. In addition, household debt to energy suppliers more than doubled in July compared to September last year. The picture is worrisome as since 2018, when the price cap was introduced in the UK, household debt to energy providers has steadily declined over the summer. This summer is an exception, with debt rising 10% between April and July.

Household debt to suppliers in July was more than double the level of September last year.

The figures portend unpleasant events for both providers and the British themselves. U.K. regulator Ofgem is expected to raise the electricity bill limit to £3,582 a year from €4,242.5 for the average household, according to the latest estimates from analysts at Uswitch, who provide comparative data on electricity costs. starting from October. Justina Miltienit, head of policy at USwitch, notes that the UK’s debt to energy companies has reached an all-time high, and it comes at the most inopportune moment. Winter is coming, she explains, which means a further surge in energy prices will push many households into poverty.