Third of electricity customers tell regulator they are struggling to pay their bills 

The cost of electricity bills have risen 63.5% in the past year while gas bills have nearly doubled, rising 88.7%.

A third of electricity customers and almost half of gas customers have told the energy regulator they are struggling to manage their bills.

In its annual consumer survey, compiled by Behaviour and Attitudes, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) describes a "worryingly large proportion" of customers who say the hikes are just too much for their households.