Fuel poverty isn’t just a winter issue
As spring gives way to summer, heating bills may go down but that doesn’t mean that fuel poverty goes away
Millions of UK households are locked in fuel poverty. The need for heating may be less of an issue in warmer months, but people remain in desperate circumstances, skipping hot food and warm showers, cutting back on essentials, and falling into deep debt.
For families living in fuel poverty, the school holidays can be a time of anxiety. More mouths to feed, clothes to wash and electrical appliances running to keep the children entertained. Fans and air conditioning units become ever more essential as we experience more heatwaves and soaring temperatures, but they remain out of reach for the most vulnerable.
Energy costs
The average annual bill has risen sharply since October 2021 when bills were around £1,277 for a typical household. That’s based on 12,000kWh of gas and 3,000kWh of electricity, two to three people in a two to three-bed house.
Bigger households or those with high energy needs like using medical equipment including oxygen or stairlifts will usually pay more.
Energy debt has reached over £5 billion, with clients struggling to pay back the bill they had no choice but to rack up.
Throughout the summer holidays, and beyond, we provide key support which helps families in fuel poverty to manage their energy bills and keep their homes safe, healthy and comfortable.
What do we want the government to do?
For households who have seen their finances hammered by years of high energy bills, additional measures are needed to provide real protection and support for the most vulnerable.
Our policy team regularly meets with government energy advisers. Through sustained engagement with Ofgem, we influenced its latest strategy to ensure fair prices and quality service and promote financial resilience and sustainable competition.
By bringing frontline issues directly to Westminster we’re working to secure lasting change for those people who need it the most
What support is available?
National Energy Action advises clients to:
- If eligible, sign up to the Priority Services Register. E.g. if they are over 65, recovering from an injury or have a mental health condition, signing up means they get priority support in an emergency and regular meter reading services.
- Make sure they are claiming all the government support and benefits they are entitled to.
- If they are struggling, contact their supplier.