Following on from the June 2020 NEA policy paper “The Gathering Storm: Utility Debt and Covid-19”, this paper provides an evidence synthesis of personal debt, both prior and post the Covid-19 outbreak, with a focus on the shift from consumer debt, such as loans and credit cards, to household debts, such as arrears with utility providers, offering a comparison of known debt levels in energy, water and local government.

NEA recognises that many low-income households experience affordability issues with their essential household bills, rarely struggling with one bill in isolation, and as a result is delivering a programme of work which seeks to support ‘People Living in Water Poverty and Fuel Poverty’.

Mae Gwasanaeth Cyngor WASH NEA yn wasanaeth cymorth am ddim sy’n darparu cyngor i ddeiliaid tai yng Nghymru a Lloegr ar eu biliau ynni ac yn cadw’n gynnes ac yn ddiogel yn eu cartref.

At NEA our priority is to ensure that everyone is able to live in a warm home. This remains important, particularly when people may be spending more time at home or facing uncertainties regarding income.  However we also do not want to put anyone at unnecessary risk.

NEA has extensively engaged with Ofgem the DNOs to help shape this price control, through stakeholder meetings, workshops, and through working with Ofgem in the RIIO 2 working groups. NEA is so far pleased with Ofgem’s approach in the ED2 price control, especially the increased focus on stakeholder engagement and vulnerability. We believe, however, that there are several areas that require closer, additional consideration.

I’m delighted to be able to share our new website with you.

To help assist people who may be struggling with their energy bills we’ve produced two new resources: Help during Covid-19 and Top energy saving tips.

The UK Government has today confirmed the immediate future of the Warm Home Discount (WHD) energy rebate scheme which was due to end in March 2021 and has now been extended for a year.

Fuel poverty campaigner Maria Wardrobe is celebrating today after it was announced she will receive an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List 2020.