The number of people seeking debt advice over their mounting fuel debts has grown substantially, according to charity the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Their figures show that between April and September this year, the number seeking debt advice regarding their energy bills in England and Wales had increased by 46 per cent, when compared to the same period last year.
Government figures on fuel poverty are set to be presented at a later date.
A CAB spokesperson said: “We are already seeing large increases in the number of people in fuel debt and it is not yet winter.”
Wholesale gas increases in recent years have meant that current bills are at record levels, with the average gas bill up by 120 per cent between 2000 and 2009. During the same time, electricity bill shave risen by 48 per cent.
This has meant that household finances are increasingly being placed under pressure and many are developing serious debt problems as a result.
Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt advice specialists Chiltern, said: “Living costs have been steadily rising in recent years but typically wages have lagged behind.
“Because of this, many people have resorted to credit to plug the gap and have accumulated a number of loans, overdrafts and credit card debts.
“This has also been compounded by the rising number of unemployment and the credit crunch making it more difficult for borrowers.”
Debt experts recommend seeking impartial advice, to help alleviate immediate debt management issues and ensure that future debt problems can be avoided.
In 2008 the number of households in fuel poverty in England had risen to four million, up sharply from 1.2 million in 2004.