GAS PRICE HIKE: “Energy bill help” searches jump 3,000% on same day two energy firms collapse

Searches for ‘energy bill help’ explode over 3,000% in UK as gas prices soar

Recent analysis of Google search data reveals that searches for ‘energy bill help’ exploded over 3,000% in the UK on the 17^th November, the same day that two more energy suppliers collapsed in the UK, bringing the total number of energy companies crashing out of the market due to soaring market prices to 21.

A new finding by energy experts Boiler Central reveals that online interest for ‘energy bill help’ skyrocketed to over 30 times the average volume in one day, an unprecedented spike in people searching for help with their energy bills, according to Google search data analysis.

Household gas bills rose by 28.1% and electricity bills 18.8% in the year to October, according to the ONS, and data from Boiler Central also reveals that searches for cheaper heating alternatives including ‘portable heater’ spiked 212% on the 17^th November. 

A spokesperson for Boiler Central commented on the findings: 

“Gas and electricity bills are absolutely skyrocketing in the UK due to soaring wholesale prices across the globe. Energy suppliers unable to cope with soaring market costs, and the recent news of Germany halting the building of a gas pipeline from Russia has caused wholesale gas prices to jump 17% in the UK and EU, which in turn further will affect what suppliers charge their customers. The rise in searches for help with energy bills in the UK, as well as an increase in searches for portable heaters, exposes how much recent soaring energy bills are affecting people. There are some grants and schemes available to help people on a low income or Universal Credit with their energy bills, such as a Winter Fuel Payment or the Warm Home Discount scheme – where you may be able to get £140 off your electricity bill or in the form of a voucher for your prepayment meter, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Citizens Advice Bureau to see if you might qualify” 

I hope this analysis is useful and insightful. 

Cick link to Boiler Central who commissioned the data.