UK StepChange arrears types: electricity
UK StepChange arrears types: electricity stood at 24% in Aug 2026. It is one of the indicators in the Debt advice table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jul 2025 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Debt advice table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrears types among those who have a responsibility for paying each bill type | |||||||||||
| Electricity | 24 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | |
| Water | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 22 |
Understanding UK StepChange arrears types: electricity
Financial assessment surveys measure the proportion of debt advice clients across the United Kingdom with electricity bill arrears among those holding direct payment responsibility. This series isolates standalone power supply liabilities from dual-fuel contracts and other domestic household bills. Unlike sibling rows that track gas or water shortfalls, this indicator isolates single-utility electricity payment defaults.
Interpreters must recognise the influence of seasonal temperature shifts on electricity consumption patterns across the United Kingdom. Early estimates are provisional and subject to administrative revision as client budget audits are finalised. Year-on-year comparisons offer a dependable analytical approach by removing weather-driven seasonal fluctuations that distort month-on-month trends. Analysts should verify that comparisons are made exclusively against individuals responsible for electricity payments rather than total advisory client counts.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this series include combined gas and electricity accounts?
- No, dual-fuel arrangements are recorded separately, leaving this metric to isolate standalone electricity accounts.
- How should seasonal weather patterns be factored into analysis?
- Lighting and heating requirements increase during winter months, impacting payment default rates.
- Why is the denominator restricted to responsible bill payers?
- It ensures the percentage accurately reflects default rates among those actually obligated to settle electricity charges.