More than five million UK households are now in debt to energy companies, it has been claimed.
Consumer advice service uSwitch.com said the recent cold snap, coupled with average price increases of 16 per cent, has resulted in 5.5 million customers owing money to their suppliers.
According to uSwitch, the total outstanding amount is in the region of £728 million.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at the organisation, said: "The impact of the 42 per cent or £381 hike in energy prices in 2008 cannot be underestimated – consumers are still feeling the pain and subsequent price cuts have done little to ease this.
"The increase in energy debt this year is symptomatic of the fact that we are entering an era of high cost energy. Households will have to adapt if they are to protect themselves from spiralling energy bills."
Energy supplier debt could be a particular concern for the country’s elderly population as they tend to dedicate a larger proportion of their income to heating their homes.
Those who have invested in property could use cash from the value of their assets to meet the rising demand through a scheme such as equity release.
