Online searches for "can't pay bills" have rocketed as energy firms collapse.
Recent analysis of Google search data reveals that searches for the term exploded more than 1300 per cent in the UK on November 24, two days after energy provider Bulb went bust.
Twenty-five energy suppliers in total have crashed out of the market since August, amidst soaring wholesale costs.
A new finding by Eachnight.com reveals that online interest in "can’t pay bills" exploded to 14 times the average volume in one day, an unprecedented spike in people searching for advice about being unable to pay bills, according to Google search analysis.
Household gas bills rose by 28.1 per cent and electricity bills 18.8 per cent in the year to October, according to the ONS (Office for National Statistics).
Data from Eachnight.com also reveals that searches for ‘electric bill help’ spiked 2,400 per cent on November 23, one day after Bulb announced it was going into administration.
The data also reveals that searches for cheaper heating alternatives including "electric heater" saw a spike of 112 per cent on November 23.
When asked about the findings a spokesperson for Eachnight.com said: "Gas and electricity bills are skyrocketing to unprecedented levels in the UK due to soaring wholesale prices across the globe."
They added: "The jump in searches for ‘can’t pay bills’ and ‘electric bill help’ are a sign of just how much rising wholesale prices are affecting consumers, who are being charged more by their suppliers to cope with the higher costs.
"Grants and schemes do exist to help people on a low income or Universal Credit with their energy bills, such as Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Home Discount scheme – where you may be able to get £140 off your electricity bill.
"You may also be able to get a grant from your energy supplier or a national grant to support you with payments, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Citizens Advice Bureau to see if you might qualify”
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