22 April 2008
Many households in the UK are in debt to their gas and electricity firms and this figure could grow in the future, it has been claimed.
At present typical debt stands at £114, said uSwitch.com, but more consumers may fall into the trap as bills rise.
Such customers begin to underpay because their service providers do not alter direct debit payments in order to ensure payments are correct, said uSwitch.com.
And these debt worries, it revealed, may mean that people are tied to their existing energy suppliers in the future.
Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com Ann Robinson stated that it is imperative that problems are minimised in the current times of the credit crunch.
"Consumers have to take a more active role in managing energy bills - don't just sit back and wait for your supplier to review your account. If you are near or already in the red and can afford to increase your payments, contact your supplier," she urged.
Energywatch's Allan Fisher remarked earlier this week that energy price rises would be "catastrophic" for the public.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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