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Debt Awareness Week 2025: How to tackle your energy debt

Alex Day

At the end of December 2024, there were 1,071,228 electricity accounts in debt, with no plan in place to repay the debt.

Graphic shows a washing machine in silhouette with the logo of Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding and the text: Our specialist energy advisers can help you tackle your debt We can help you stay warm, plugged in and in control #DebtAwarenessWeek

The average amount of debt for those accounts is £1,568.

For most people, that’s a lot of money to be worried about.

In comparison, the average debt for accounts where a payment plan was in place is £712, so well under half the amount. It’s still a big worry, but maybe a slightly more manageable worry.

There are similar figures for gas, although not as many, as so many homes are electric-only.

In total, there was £3.82 billion recorded debt and arrears for energy at the end of last year. We don’t have the latest figures yet; however, they are unlikely to have improved.

Paying for energy is tough for the majority of households, and really difficult decisions are being made in homes across the country. We know that Hull has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty, with over 18% of homes being fuel-poor. And that’s data from two years ago, so it could be higher now.

The East Riding has slightly lower rates, but very different challenges – with a lot of homes not being connected to gas, and relying on coal or oil for heating which mean big upfront payments for deliveries.

So how can we help?

At Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding, we have a dedicated team of specialist energy advisers who can help you. We know it’s not always easy to ask for help – we know that it might feel like there’s nothing that can be done to improve things for you. However, we will do our best to get you to a better place.

Things we can help with:

  • Applying to energy trusts to get some or all of the debt written off
  • Arranging payment plans that are suitable for your circumstances
  • Helping with food and fuel vouchers if you can’t top up or afford to shop
  • Checking for grants and help with improving your heating and insulation
  • Sorting out problems and issues with your supplier and complaining if need be!
  • Help you understand your bills and how to manage them going forwards
  • Helping you set a realistic budget and looking for ways to maximise your income
  • Checking you are getting the right benefits

We want everyone in our area to feel warm, safe and in control and we are here to help you get there. We have a dedicated phone line, 0800 448 0721, which is open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday or you can contact us here.