Thousands Vow Not To Pay Autumn Energy Bills

Like millions of people across Britain, Josina, a teacher from Sheffield, is being pushed into poverty by rising energy prices.

- Tom Wall and Shanti Das

This October, when bills are set to rise again, she will have to cut back on food and other essentials if she has any hope of keeping up with the payments.

"It's terrifying, especially with three teenagers in the house. They aren't old enough to be out working yet. They're relying on us, and it's a really scary thought that you potentially can't provide for your children in that way," she said.

So Josina, 35, has made a decision: she is not going to pay her energy bill. She is one of thousands joining a civil disobedience movement protesting at the soaring cost of energy.

From 1 October, the energy price cap - the maximum amount suppliers can charge in England, Scotland and Wales - will go up, leading to further bill rises for millions. Annual gas and electricity bills could reach £3,600 ($4,400) this winter. In October 2021, the average annual bill was £1,400.