How to Manage Fuel Poverty and Save Energy
As of October 1st, 2024, 6 million households across the UK are in fuel poverty, which has increased from 4.5 million households in October 2021.
The aim of NEAs Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on 27th November 2024 is threefold. Firstly, to raise awareness that 1 in 5 are struggling to pay their fuel bills. Secondly, to remind you that you aren’t alone in this. Thirdly, there is help and support available, both through changes you can make yourself to decrease your energy bills and through external organisations that can provide extra aid when you need it most this winter.
What is Fuel Poverty?
Households that spend 10% or more of their income on energy to maintain a satisfactory heating regime are considered to be in fuel poverty. (National Energy Action (NEA) | Energy Crisis) What is fuel poverty? - National Energy Action (NEA). This is not surprising given the increase in standing charges on energy bills and the cutting of the additional support to pay winter bills, so resulting in an increase in the number of households in fuel poverty.
Not only could this result in homes being colder throughout the winter period, but it will also have further implications for the health and well-being of the people who live in these homes. Each year, around 10,000 people die as a result of living in a cold home, with implications for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (high blood pressure, colds, pneumonia), as well as sleep deprivation, social isolation, stress, mental health conditions. Cold homes and health - Centre for Sustainable Energy
What is NEP doing to address fuel poverty?
Here at Nottingham Energy Partnership, we provide practical home energy improvements across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, transforming cold damp homes into warmer, more comfortable places to live.
We offer additional support which helps to maximise and manage your income while prioritising your health and wellbeing.
The Healthy Housing Service provides access to a range of grants and subsidies to people over 60, as well as families with young children who are at risk of cold-related illnesses. The service can help to insulate your loft and walls, upgrade your boiler and offer a boiler health check. If you are struggling in a cold home, we encourage you to reach out.
We work with National Grid to deliver the Power Up! Health initiative, which is for elderly and disabled people that have a chronic and/or long-term health condition, particularly those who are reliant on medical equipment. National Grid’s Priority Services Register is there in the event of a power cut, prioritising those who are vulnerable to receive help and have electricity re-connected. If eligible, the scheme can also refer people to Severn Trent for a water bill discount, receiving up to 70% off their water bill.
We have compiled a list of Warm Hubs in Nottingham, which offer a range of activities, advice and support and refreshments, as well as a place to keep warm and socialise. If you are worried about being alone in a cold home, these spaces keep you warm whilst reducing the fuel bills at home. View the list here.
To view some energy saving tips, click here.
If you are a resident in the Nottingham City Council, click here to view additional fuel poverty services in your area that can also help.
Are you worried about keeping warm this winter? We are here to help. If you are interested in the above services, or want to know more about the support available, call us on 0115 985 9057 or fill in an online form here.