Energy rationing ‘to increase this winter’

More consumers will be rationing their energy use as their charges rise and incomes are squeezed, a new study has indicated.

And the poll by uSwitch.com also found over a third of consumers are in debt because of their costly utility bills.

The study revealed 89 per cent of households plan to restrict their energy usage in the coming months, a figure that has increased by 16 per cent in the past year.

And with bills up 21 per cent in that time, the number of worried households has soared by 26 per cent, leaving 87 per cent of people worried about how much it will all cost.

One reason the issue is so troubling is that it is causing more personal debt, with 37 per cent of householders affected this way.

Among this group, 36 per cent owe more than £1,000 and 14 per cent owe in excess of £3,000.

Director of consumer policy at uSwitch Anne Robinson said: "The rising cost of energy has hit everyone hard, but the idea of people going without heating this winter is alarming. Almost seven million households are now in fuel poverty, with single working parents and pensioners the worst hit."

It is not the first time a recent poll has revealed how many consumers intend to cut back on energy use to save money.

Last month, research by Confused.com found 72 per cent of householders will be taking steps this winter to cut energy costs.

This will even include some switching lights on less, with activities including eating meals by candlelight.

By James Francis