Winter’s Power‑Up‑and‑Down: Millions Face Energy Cut‑offs
Picture this: It’s cold, you’re sweating over your heating bill, and just when you think you’ve stuck it out, boom—the lights go out. That’s the reality for more than two million Brits this coming winter. The culprit? The rising cost of electricity and gas that people can’t afford to pay.
Citizens Advice Speaks Up
Citizens Advice isn’t turning a blind eye. “We’re worried that for a lot of people it won’t be a one‑off thing,” says Chairperson Dame Clare Moriarty. Her advisers are already juggling record numbers, with 1.7 million households disconnected at least once in 2023 alone. Some even endured a full day of darkness because they couldn’t afford the bill.
“We’re seeing a flood of calls from people needing help paying energy bills, especially families stuck with pre‑payment meters that keep rolling out of warmth and hot meals,” Moriarty added. “The government hasn’t ticked the boxes on energy‑bills support, and we’re racing against a deadline by April 2024 to set a long‑term plan.”
Ofgem’s Response
Ofgem isn’t playing the sidelines. A spokesperson shared, “We echo Citizens Advice’s concerns about rising debt and self‑disconnections. We’ve introduced stricter rules to stop companies from letting customers slip into a debt spiral. We’re pushing for affordable payment plans and emergency credit when a user is at risk of locking themselves out.”
They also promise to keep collaborating with charities, consumer groups, and Communities to keep the power on for those who can’t afford it.
Government’s £104 Billion Fix‑It Plan
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is throwing a hefty £104 billion at the problem. “While prices are slightly lower than last winter, we have an Energy Price Guarantee running until April,” a spokesperson said. “If you’re having trouble, chat with your supplier—there are options.”
They’re also watering the most vulnerable with a Warm Home Discount: £150 for 3 million households, plus an extra £900 for people receiving means‑tested benefits, and an additional £150 for disabled people.
Bottom Line
- More than 2 million Britons risk loss of power this winter.
- Citizens Advice is on the frontline, crying out for government help.
- Ofgem is tightening rules to prevent self‑disconnections.
- The government has pledged big monetary support and guarantees.
There’s still no guarantee it’ll all end up smooth sailing, but at least there’s a plan—just as soon as the steam‑pressure of politics and policy meets the bottom‑line of budgets.
