Millions have fuel bills debt

UP to 2.6 million households are heading into the winter in debt to energy firms, research suggests.

Experts say the number of us with unpaid bills has soared 9% year on year.

A cold snap in August could be partly to blame, as 30% put the heating on early, uSwitch found.

Claire Osborne, of the price comparison website, urged customers to shop around and added: “A cheaper tariff could mean the difference between shivering through the winter or a warm home.”