Wales worst hit by utilities price hikes as cost of living crisis hits hard

Research has revealed that Wales has been hit hardest by the UK’s spike in utilities prices. Utilities bills rose by an average of 48% in Wales, above the UK-wide average of 38%, leaving 59% of Welsh bill payers worrying about how they will afford to pay bills.

The news comes with the release of a report from data expert Sagacity, surveying 2,000 bill payers across the UK.

The research goes on to highlight the choices people in Wales are being forced to make as they face up to spiralling costs. More than one in five Welsh households (22%) have already cut back on food to save money for utilities bills, while almost a third (32%) worry they may have to choose between food and energy.

More than a quarter (29%) are worried they won’t be able to juggle their utilities bills with their rent or mortgage, while two fifths (41%) are concerned for theirs or their families welfare if bills continue to rise.

Anita Dougall, CEO and Founding Partner of Sagacity, says the onus is on suppliers to proactively help people who are struggling.

She said: “Many of us have seen our bills more than double since last autumn, and with prices set to increase again in October’s price cap review, we are fast approaching crisis point. The idea that families should be considering extreme measures, such as giving up food or having to compromise on hygiene, should be unthinkable in 2022. And this isn’t just a problem for low-income families – the pinch is being felt across the board.

“When suppliers are being criticised left, right and centre by the media and Government ministers, it is difficult to convince people in financial difficulty to engage with them, which is why energy suppliers need to get on the front foot and extend help to those that need it.”