British Gas, OVO, Octopus, E.on and EDF customers '£100 rule' plans from government to cancel debt

British Gas, OVO, Octopus, E.on and EDF customers '£100 rule' plans from government to cancel debt View Image

Nearly 200,000 people on benefits could see their energy debts cancelled if they make an effort to pay what is owed. Unpaid bills and fees have skyrocketed in recent years due to soaring energy prices, resulting in a record £4.4bn debt to suppliers.

Regulator Ofgem plans to reduce this total by up to £500m early next year. However, this would require an additional £5 to be added to everyone's gas and electricity bill. Households already under a price cap tariff typically pay an extra £52 annually towards historic debt as part of their £1,755 yearly bill.

Under the proposed plans British Gas, OVO, Octopus, E.on and EDF customers on means-tested benefits who accrued energy debt