EDF, one of Britain’s largest energy suppliers, has signalled a significant rise in the number of its customers falling into debt this year, as volatility continues to plague bills.
Regardless of repeated falls in energy prices this year, through reductions in Ofgem’s cap, EDF said the vast majority were still concerned about bill payments this winter.
Some 84% of over 2,000 respondents to an EDF survey signalled concern, the company reported.
A 36% increase in the number of households in debt since the start of the year blatantly showed the effect higher energy prices were having on customers.
EDF, with over five million customers, is one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, alongside the likes of British Gas, E.on and Octopus.
“We’re seeing more households starting this winter in debt compared to last year,” customer director Philippe Commaret said. "While prices have fallen in recent months, they’re still double what they were pre-crisis."
Concern has been growing within the industry over a lack of government aid on bills heading into the winter months, given that the energy price guarantee and support payments have effectively been scrapped.
Despite Ofgem’s cap also being set to fall in October, higher daily standing charges have prompted warnings that households may realistically gain little relief from lower unit prices.
“There are many customers already struggling ahead of this winter and we think interim support from the government is needed until a social tariff can be introduced,” Commaret added.