Update to grants and funding: DWP announces extension to HSF https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-extended-to-help-struggling-households-with-bills-and-essential-costs-over-winter
BG reopens its individuals and families grant funding https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/news-research/trust-encourages-pensioners-to-apply-for-energy-support/
- Here’s Ofgem’s full announcement on price cap increase https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-release/customers-urged-shop-around-price-cap-rises-because-global-market including a call for views on ‘options’ for standing charges https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/call-for-input/standing-charges-domestic-retail-options
And here is the options paper https://consult.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-supply/standing-charges-domestic-retail-options/supporting_documents/standing_charges_domestic_retail_options.pdf .
NEA’s response to latest price cap announcement – including estimates of 400k people will be pulled into fuel poverty https://www.nea.org.uk/news/october-energy-bill-rise-to-plunge-400000-more-uk-households-into-fuel-poverty-this-winter/
Latest update from Committee on Fuel Poverty shows that ‘no meaningful’ fall in 5 years Fuel poverty has not fallen ‘to any meaningful extent’ in 5 years – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and its full report Committee on Fuel Poverty annual report: 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
CSE has published its full report on behalf of DESNZ and the Committee on Fuel Poverty “Understanding the barriers and enablers to supporting fuel poor households to achieve net zero”
Summary of Key findings of the research
Our research reinforced some known issues and uncovered new insights:
- It’s tricky to identify and reach those who need help most.
- Many people don’t trust information about energy or the companies involved.
But we also found solutions:
- One-stop shops provide support at all stages of the customer journey for energy improvements.
- Tailored, flexible installation options are needed particularly for those with a disability or health issues.
- Local, community-based approaches to home upgrades are particularly successful.
- Better follow-up and support after improvements are made to monitor the quality of retrofit and help people get the most from new technologies