The Energy Regulator says One-in-Five households are behind on their electricity bill.

Four percent of gas customers say they're in arrears - while one in eight of those who took part in the survey say they switched suppliers last year.

Richard Chambers reports:

The survey of 1-thousand electricity and 1-thousand gas customers was carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes for the Energy Regulator and found that 20 per cent of households are in arrears on their electricity bill.

Another 14 per cent say they manage by paying in installments.

For gas customers - it's a similar story - with 4 per cent behind on their bills and 16 per cent making partial payments.

The survey also reveals that 1 in 8 switched energy supplier in the past year - while there is also rising interest in prepaid energy options.