Our research

Our Research team is essential for demonstrating impact and underpinning the key reports presented here. Our work includes qualitative methods — such as interviews and focus groups — with robust quantitative analysis, capture human stories alongside measurable trends. It demonstrates the scale, complexity, and lived reality of energy vulnerability, particularly for marginalised and underserved communities and the difference support can make.

The work we do combines both social and technical research to ensure that solutions to fuel poverty are practical, affordable and accessible for everyone.

Technical research

Our technical research focuses on how technologies perform in real homes. Through our Innovation and Technical Evaluation work, we study heating systems, insulation, renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures to understand how they can reduce energy bills and improve comfort for households in fuel poverty. We monitor energy use, thermal performance and environmental conditions to identify which technologies deliver the greatest benefits in practice.

Social research

Our social research helps us understand the everyday experiences of the people we support. We know that technology alone cannot solve fuel poverty. By speaking directly with residents through interviews, surveys and community engagement, we explore barriers such as affordability, health issues, lack of information and difficulties using new technologies. This people-centred approach ensures that the solutions we develop are based on real household needs and lived experiences.

By combining technical expertise with social insight, we produce evidence-based research that helps improve living conditions, reduce inequality and support households facing fuel poverty across the UK.