Millions face a winter of impossible choices as energy price cap set to rise
Ofgem has announced that its energy price cap will rise by 0.2% from 1 January 2026, making the average bill around £1,758 for a typical household.
Posted November 21, 2025
Grace Brownfield, Head of Influencing at Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, says:
"This small rise will only add to the pressure on households facing a tough winter. For the people we help at National Debtline, the reality is stark – over a third of callers are already in energy arrears, making it the second most common debt type we see.
“As temperatures drop, many will continue to face impossible choices between heating their homes and paying other essential bills. The upcoming Budget is a crucial opportunity for the Government to act – introducing an energy social tariff would go a long way in reducing bills for the poorest households.
“Anyone worried about their energy or other bills should contact National Debtline as soon as possible – don’t wait for debts to build up."
