This policy briefing highlights the positive steps that can be taken now by the UK Government and energy regulator Ofgem to respond to the current energy crisis and support vulnerable energy customers this winter. It is hoped that this will prompt policy interventions in advance of Ofgem announcing in February the next revision to the energy price cap.

The report details that there were 5,802 deaths in Northern Ireland in the 2019/20 winter period which is the third highest number of winter deaths in the last 10 years.

Over the last number of weeks, we have experienced a significant rise in the number of households seeking emergency support for fuel poverty. We therefore welcome the launch of DfC’s Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme.

Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert has announced he will donate £100,000 to help NEA increase its support to the most vulnerable as the Energy Crisis intensifies.

Letter to Minister

Letter to NI MPs re the ongoing impacts of the energy crisis in Northern Ireland.

“My teenager covers himself in layers to keep warm …”

The North East’s Maria Wardrobe has been presented with her OBE this week at Windsor Castle in recognition of her outstanding contribution to fighting fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action has today warned average domestic energy bills have already soared by over £230 per customer compared to last winter.