The cost of rising energy bills is leaving Victorians in the dark, with a new report showing a record number are turning to hardship programs.

Every week, almost 1000 people across the state are being disconnected due to unpaid bills, according to the latest data from the Essential Services Commission from July to December 2017.

While this reflects a fall in disconnections, the number of customers in energy hardship programs has almost doubled in the last three years to 36,239 Victorians, who owe a total of more than $62.2 million in energy debt.

Every week, almost 1000 Victorians are being disconnecte due to unpaid bills. (9NEWS) (9NEWS)

“This is the tip of the iceberg,” Victorian Council of Social Services’ Emma King said.

“There are so many more Victorian households that are making heartbreaking choices – they are going without food, they are having showers in shelters – because they can’t afford what is an essential service.”

The report found electricity prices have jumped by between 12 and 22 percent, while gas prices have risen by up to 16 percent.

More than 12,000 customers were affected by breaches of energy rules, with most relating to them either not being notified of price changes or being overcharged.

The ESC said changes to the Energy Retail Code, coming into effect next year, will require retailers to provide timely and meaningful assistance to customers facing payment difficulty.

“This includes targeted assistant plans and earlier intervention,” ESC’s Sarah McDowell said.

According to the ESC, electricity prices have jumped by between 12 and 22 percent. (9NEWS) (9NEWS)

While the Victorian Council of Social Services agrees this is a step in the right direction, it says more needs to be done.

Ms King is calling for a boost to the Victorian utility grant scheme, which helps to pay overdue bills due to a temporary financial crisis.

“The grant is there to help people in significant difficulty. We need it to go up from a maximum of $500 for six months to $750,” Ms King said.