Today, we’re looking at a major warning sign for households, energy suppliers, credit control teams and the wider UK debt collection sector.

Consumer energy debt in Britain could reach £7 billion by the end of 2026 if no further action is taken. At the same time, a planned £500 million energy debt relief scheme for some of the poorest households has still not launched because of delays around legislation and data sharing.

What Has Happened?

The UK’s energy debt problem is getting bigger.

Energy UK estimates that consumer energy debts are currently around £5.5 billion, with the figure likely to rise to £7 billion by the end of the year unless action is taken.

The planned relief scheme was designed to clear around £500 million of energy debt for eligible households, but it has not yet started.

The delay ma ...