In total, the CAB network issued advice on gas and electricity 12,386 times in February. Gas and electricity remained the single top advice code in February for the third month running, after overtaking Universal Credit in December.

The cost of living crisis continued to weigh on people’s minds with online demand for debt and money advice increasing 25% from February 2022.

Despite the Energy Price Guarantee being extended in the UK Budget earlier this month, many people may see their bills rise in the coming months, with the end of the Energy Support Scheme.

CAS social justice spokesperson David Hilferty, said: “It was a historic moment in December when demand for energy advice overtook Universal Credit as the top issue across the CAB network, and it has remained the big issue for a third month in a row – there’s a concern this could be the new normal.

“The cost of living crisis isn’t so much squeezing household budgets as crushing them, and this is reflected in increased demand for online advice and information around money and debt.

“It was welcome to see the Energy Price Guarantee extended in the recent UK budget but for many people bills are set to increase anyway, due to the Energy Support Scheme, the £400 worth of monthly payments that was divided up over the winter, coming to an end.”

He added: “With inflation still high and incomes remaining sluggish, there is a real risk people are going to end up in debt because they can’t keep up with every day essential spending.

“What is vital is people who are worried about money and bills seek advice as soon as possible. The CAB network offers free, impartial and confidential advice for everyone, whether they are in work or not.

“People can find an advice option that works for them at www.cas.org.uk/debt-happens.”