Almost nine in ten households will be rationing their energy use this winter, according to uSwitch.
Research found that 87 per cent will be rationing their energy use to cut costs, despite suppliers cutting their prices earlier this year, by an average of £34 or 2.6 per cent
And, as price hikes strike, many more may be willing to compromise on their quality of life, health or well-being, just to keep a lid on their energy bills.
The website said that 84 per cent of people are worried about the cost of their energy bills. Price hikes have added to consumers’ concern, 79 per cent are more worried about their winter fuel bills this year as a result.
Such is the impact that the cost of energy continues to be the number one household concern (90 per cent), ahead of the rising cost of food (80 per cent), petrol prices (75 per cent) and mortgage and rent payments (40 per cent).
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said: “This winter the high cost of energy will see households forced to play Russian roulette with their health and well-being by going without adequate heating. As suppliers move to push prices up, consumers will be reacting by turning their heating down – the unpalatable choice between heating and eating will become a reality of life for many more this winter.
“The Government has to face up to the fact that we are on the brink of an affordability crisis. When the average household energy bill hits £1,500 a year, 36 per cent of homes – almost four in ten – will be forced to turn their heating off completely. We are only a small step away from this and every price hike takes us that little bit closer to the edge.
“Rather than resorting to drastic and potentially dangerous measures, I would urge consumers to make their money go further by making their homes energy efficient and making sure that they are paying the lowest price for the energy they do use.
“There are many low-cost or free insulation offers available that households can take advantage of, plus there is currently £300 a year difference between the cheapest and most expensive tariffs on the market. These are easy savings to make and could help households to keep their fuel bills manageable this winter.”
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