The survey found that 10 per cent of gas customers and 9 per cent of electricity customers ran out of credit at least once a week, and 15 per cent were cut off once a month or more.
The report also revealed that 17 per cent of those aged 25 to 35, and 20 per cent of 35- to 44-year-olds were likely to be cut off at least once a month.
Pre-payment customers in the East and East Midlands were also found to be the most likely to run out of credit.
The survey was carried out at the beginning of October, before winter price rises came into force and Ian Williams of the DAC, said this, coupled with falling temperatures could make things worse for PPM customers.
“When energy gets even more expensive, and temperatures really start to drop, PPM customers could find that they use up their credit more quickly – and the worry is that they won’t be able to afford to top up straight away,” he said.
“For customers who are elderly or who have young families, this could become a very serious problem.”