Business · Economy · 3 hrs ago
Survey finds 1.7 million UK households plan to leave heating off this winter
A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 1.7 million households plan to leave their heating off this winter to save money or because they cannot afford it.
More than half of households said they were worried about being cold, and 40% said they would turn on the heating only if they got too cold.
The findings come as Ofgem’s energy price cap rose by 4% on October 1, and bills could rise by almost £300 more from January, forecasters warned.
Some people plan to heat only certain rooms or delay turning on their heating, while others expect to use blankets or portable heaters.
People using prepayment meters were especially concerned: 72% said they feared being cold this winter, compared with the UK average of 52%.
Campaigners want the Government to prepare support for households, while energy advisers urge people struggling with bills to check whether they qualify for grants or discounts.
A survey suggests 1.7 million UK households plan to leave their heating off this winter amid concerns about energy bills.
The poll found that 5.7% of households planned not to turn on their heating.
More than 15 million households, or 52%, said they were worried about being cold this winter.
Ofgem’s energy price cap rose on October 1, and forecasters warned bills could rise further from January.
Campaigners urged the Government to prepare support for households facing energy costs.
- Who
- UK households surveyed by Opinium for Uswitch.
- What
- A survey found that 1.7 million households plan to leave their heating off this winter.
- When
- The survey was conducted from September 22 to 25, 2026; the plans concern this winter.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- Respondents cited efforts to save money and concerns about energy bills; some said heating had become unaffordable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Opinium surveyed 2,000 UK adults for Uswitch.
Ofgem’s energy price cap increase took effect.
Forecasters warned household bills could rise by almost another £300.
- Households planning no heating
- 1.7 million, or 5.7%
- Households worried about being cold
- 52%, or more than 15 million homes
- Survey sample
- 2,000 UK adults
- Survey dates
- September 22–25, 2026
- Typical annual energy bill after October 1 cap rise
- £1,723, up from £1,663
2 sources
What people are saying
It’s alarming to see so many households already planning to go without heating this winter, before the coldest months have even arrived.
No one should be shivering in a cold home because they’re dreading the energy bill, so if you’re struggling, ask for help.