BBC Breakfast stars announced devastating news just minutes into Wednesday’s (October 15) show.
During today’s edition of the hit BBC programme, hosts Sally Nugent and Roger Johnson updated viewers on the latest news from across the UK and around the world.
They were joined in the studio by John Watson, who presented the sports segment, while Carol Kirkwood and Emma Vardy delivered regular weather and business updates, respectively.
Sally began the show with the announcement that customer debt to energy companies has reached an eight-year high.
A survey conducted for Uswitch revealed that households are entering the winter season owing their energy suppliers a staggering £780 million, marking the highest debt levels in eight years, reports the Express.
Roger added: “It brings the total energy debt to more than £4 billion,” before passing over to BBC correspondent Aruna Iyengar.
In her report, Aruna warned: “Customers are being warned to get ready for higher bills this winter. Many of us pay a fixed amount each month, which is higher than our actual usage in the summer to build up credit to cover higher energy bills in the winter.
“But Uswitch says because of the high energy prices, many households are already in debt before the winter’s even started.”
Richard Neudegg, Director of Regulation at Uswitch, further commented: “There have been a number of support schemes that have been in place for consumers, some of those have come to an end.
“But also, we’re compounding year on year on a difficult situation when it comes to the cost of bills. So, again, we’re in a slightly more difficult situation than we have been previously as those customers in debt are rising and the level of debt is also increasing as well.”
Aruna continued by disclosing that approximately 3.5 million households are indebted to their energy supplier, representing a 46% surge from 2.4 million the previous year. Over one in ten of those owing money to their provider claim they cannot afford to clear the debt.
The present typical household debt amount of £223 stands 29% above last year’s figure of £173.
The correspondent continued: “Energy prices are at historically high levels and they’re still going higher. It’s due to global gas price spikes and the UK’s ban on Russian energy amid the conflict in Ukraine.
“Households facing problems with their energy bills are urged to contact their energy providers. They can provide tailored repayment plans, stopping customers from falling further behind.”
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