Energy-debt households top 2 million

MORE than two million homes are in the red over energy bills, owing on average £760 for electricity and £605 for gas, says Citizens Advice.

The figure has soared by 600,000 since February and one in four fear they cannot afford winter bills.

The charity found support from suppliers generally works but some customers could not get through and waiting times have become longer.

Regulator Ofgem said: “We have strong protections, requiring suppliers to treat customers fairly, especially the vulnerable.”