Angela, from Liverpool, is one of those who has fallen behind on bills.
As a carer for her mum, she told the BBC she was having to make tough choices.
“I’m over £1,000 in arrears with [my energy supplier] so I don’t put the gas and electric on,” she said. “We just sit there with our onesies on of a night. I think it’s terrible, it’s a disgrace.”
Close to where she was speaking is Kitty’s Laundrette, a co-operative which provides cheap washing and drying for the community, as well as a free service for those who need it.
Anthony Scott is part of the team running it, seeing dozens of customers every day, many of whom are struggling financially.
“I come across a lot of anger, I feel a lot of anger. People are being priced out of using energy in their own home,” he said.