Millions of consumers 'in debt to utility suppliers'
Published On 22 April 2008
Nearly seven million consumers in the UK are in debt to their utility suppliers, a new study has shown.Data released by uSwitch.com indicated that 26 per cent of energy customers were 'in the red' on their last energy bill.
Typically, the 6.8 million people in debt to their utility suppliers owe £114 each.
In addition, the figures showed that almost 19 million people pay their utility bills by direct debit, but only 13 per cent have or plan to ask their supplier to increase their payment.
"Consumers have to take a more active role in managing energy bills - don't just sit back and wait for your supplier to review your account," commented Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com.
"If you are near or already in the red and can afford to increase your payments, contact your supplier.
"Make sure you are paying the lowest possible price for your energy by shopping around, become more energy efficient and don't get caught out by inaccurate billing."
Recently, moneysupermarket.com reported that 17 per cent of people in the UK have been sent an incorrect utility bill in the last three months.
