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New survey reveals almost half of all British households were ‘too scared to put the heating on’ last winter

85% have also admitted to trying to cut back on their energy usage due to rising bills.

Emily Sergeant - 22nd August 2023

It’s been revealed that 13 million Brits didn’t put their heating on when it got cold last winter because they were “too scared”.

As regulator Ofgem prepares announce the next energy price cap this coming Friday, a shocking new survey by Which? has found that nearly nine in 10 (85%) British households have admitted to trying to cut back on their energy usage due to rising bills putting significant financial, physical, and emotional strains on consumers.

Nearly half (46%) of the of 4,000 people surveyed said they did not not turn their heating on when it was cold last winter.

This equates to an estimated 13 million households nationwide, according to Which?

One of the most concerning findings from Which?’s research is that consumers in lower-income households and those aged 45-64 years old are more likely than others to not turn the heating on when it’s cold. 

Half of households on less than £20,000 (51%) are not turning the heating on when it’s cold, compared to a third (32%) of households with annual incomes of more than £80,000 (32%), Which? said, while nearly half of households with annual incomes of £20,000-£45,000 (46%) and just under half (45%) of households on £45,000-£80,000 said they didn’t.

Those aged 45-64 are also more likely than other age groups to refrain from putting the heating on in cold weather.

Which? says this is probably because this age group has more financial responsibilities than the younger age groups, but unlike their elders, are not eligible to access pension savings.

Another concerning finding is that four in 10 (37%) of those surveyed by Which? said they were worried that their ability to recover from illness is worse now than before the cost of living crisis began – but freezing temperatures are known put people at higher risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases like asthma attacks, infections, heart disease, and strokes. 

Which? says its research “clearly demonstrates” just how many consumers have had to make “severe cutbacks” to afford their energy bills, and are “putting their own health at risk” in the process.

The consumer group is now urging Ofgem and the Government to “take action” to help consumers who are “struggling to make ends meet” when the October energy price cap is unveiled later this week, and introduce a “properly-targeted social tariff” that offers discounts to those most in need.

“It’s hugely concerning that an estimated 13 million households have not switched the heating on when it’s cold due to fears of high energy bills,” commented Which?’s Energy Editor, Emily Seymour, as the survey findings were released.

“Our research shows that certain groups are more likely to be left in the cold this winter.

“The government and energy firms need to act now to help those most in need make ends meet over the winter.

Read more:

• ‘Freezing’ Bury woman died from hypothermia after refusing to turn heating on
• Warm Banks have been set up in Greater Manchester to help people who ‘can’t afford to put the heating on’
• ‘Landmark’ social housing bill named in tribute to Rochdale toddler Awaab Ishak becomes law

“The government must introduce a properly targeted social tariff as soon as possible, and energy firms must ensure that their customer services are equipped to properly support customers over the winter.”

Featured Image – Pixabay