Energy bill hike could leave 8.5m households in fuel poverty

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has issued a warning that the energy crisis could leave 8.5 million UK households unable to heat and power their homes.

The group claims that cold homes cost lives and that more frail and older people could die next winter without further action from the government. Campaigners are pleading with the government to cut bills for the most vulnerable households comes as wholesale prices soar due to Russian invasion of Ukraine – with stark predictions that energy bills across Great Britain could increase to £3,000 per annum.  

Adam Scorer, chief executive of National Energy Action, said: “When energy bills hit £2,000 a year there will be over 6.5 million UK households in fuel poverty. Analysts suggest the war in Ukraine could drive average bills to £3,000 per year. This could leave 8.5 million UK households in fuel poverty, denied a warm safe home.

“This is a disaster and inevitably, will lead to more needless winter deaths. Government must address the scale of the problem and use the upcoming Economic Statement in March to cut energy bills much further for the poorest. It must act now, to protect the most vulnerable, and to save lives.

A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition said: “Ending fuel poverty is a public health necessity and a national security priority. Based on World Health Organisation modelling, an estimated 80 frail and elderly people die prematurely every day across the UK each winter.

“Unless more support can be provided, the scale of these tragic needless deaths will grow and cause even further devastation to other poorer households. We need urgent help for households in fuel poverty now combined with a long-term plan to improve energy efficiency of our homes and a sustainable, renewable-led, energy mix.”