Energy regulator warns of ‘historic’ arrears as electricity credits end and prices climb

The CRU has outlined a series of measures to try to protect electricity and gas customers. One measure places further requirements on energy suppliers when they are engaging with indebted customers who may benefit from entering a repayment plan. Picture: Stuart Boulton/PA

Thousands more households could fall into arrears on their energy bills this winter, even as the numbers are already “trending at historically high levels”, the energy regulator has warned.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact government electricity credits cease this winter and electricity prices could rise further in the coming weeks.