Ovo, Octopus and British Gas bill help as Ofgem shares options when struggling
Ofgem is informing consumers about available support options for those struggling with energy bill payments amid increasing debt levels in the UK.
Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, has issued a call to action for families struggling with rising energy bills. Millions are reportedly behind on their payments, with household energy debt reaching £4.43 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Ofgem has recognized the distress many families are experiencing and is highlighting several help options available to them, including contacting their energy suppliers for assistance and exploring resources provided by charities and government programs.
In particular, Ofgem has pointed out that a significant number of consumers are finding themselves in debt concerning their energy bills, with over 1.1 million electricity customers and around 926,000 gas customers currently without any repayment plan in place. This troubling statistic underscores the urgency of the situation and the critical need for consumers to understand their options for assistance. Ofgem's outreach aims to minimize the struggle by encouraging individuals to seek help early and avoid further escalation of their debts.
The regulator has directed consumers to utilize tools such as Money Helper, which offers a resource for finding free debt advice tailored to those who have fallen behind on payments. This guidance not only helps individuals navigate their financial struggles but also reinforces the importance of communication with energy suppliers. By fostering awareness of these resources, Ofgem hopes to ease the burden on the millions feeling the financial strain of energy debt in the UK, paving the way for a more manageable approach to overcoming these challenges.