Energy bills and debt are rising yet again – here are three things that would help vulnerable households

By Elaine Robinson, Research Associate, Centre for Research in Social Policy, Loughborough University

Energy prices are rising faster than benefits, wages or pensions, meaning the amount that UK households owe to energy suppliers – their energy debt – is also likely to grow.

On April 1 2025, the energy price cap, which is the maximum amount suppliers can charge, will rise by 6.4%. This is the third consecutive quarterly increase, and a rise of 9.4% compared with the limit set the previous April, which amounts to an increase of £159 on the typical bill.

Meanwhile, benefits such as universal credit are…

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