National Energy Action Fuel Poverty Focus

FOCUS

WINTER

2023/24

FUEL POVERTY

N AT I O N A L E N E R GY AC T I O N M E M B E R S ’ M AG A Z I N E

Fighting Fuel Poverty together in Leicester Over 300 delegates, 45 speakers and one MP - National Energy Action’s Conference

PLUS: FUEL POVERT Y AWARENESS DAY | MEMBERS’ NEWS | FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

WELCOME

CONTENTS It has been a busy quarter for National Energy Action. Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our Annual Conference and Exhibition — Energy Crisis: two years in. Whether you were a speaker, delegate or exhibitor we really appreciate your contribution. If you were unable to attend then head to our YouTube channel and you can catch up on all the sessions at www.youtube.com/neaukcharity.

One theme that came through overwhelmingly was the importance of working together to end fuel poverty. Read more on page nine.

As well as our conference, we also highlighted fuel poverty, with your help, on our Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. Again, the theme of working together shone through and with over 2,000 social media posts we were all able to

04: Events in Focus

Cover photo: Tom Jackson/Tynesight Photography

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

03: Policy in Focus

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highlight the work we are doing and what more needs to be done.

See page four.

Much of this work was needed after the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement revealed there would be no more support for households this winter with their energy bills.

This, coupled with Ofgem’s announcement that energy bills would rise by 5% means that from January our figures show that 6.5 million UK households will now be in fuel poverty. Our Head of Policy Matt Copeland explains more on page three.

It means there is still more work to do. Please share your articles for the next issue, due out in March to focus@nea.org.uk.

Peter Smith

Ofgem’s new price cap

Our Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, Bootcamp and Fishwick

05: Events in Focus Our event in the House of Commons for Fishwick

06: Members in Focus Switchee, NGN and Orbit reveal their projects

09: Northern Ireland in Focus Conference in pictures and our summary

10: Conference in Focus Our three-day programme and how to catch up

14: Conference in Focus Our living experience stand

15: Conference in Focus Our five award winners

Peter Smith Director of Policy and Advocacy National Energy Action

16: Fundraising in Focus Our Training, Biggest Housewarming and Walk for Warmth

About Fuel Poverty Focus Fuel Poverty Focus is the quarterly magazine, produced by National Energy Action, for its members. If you have content ideas for next issue and beyond please email focus@nea.org.uk Newcastle Head Office West One, Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PA

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An Autumn Statement ahead of a difficult winter National Energy Action’s Head of Policy, Matt Copeland, says 41% of prepayment meter users are already self-disconnecting

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n November, the Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Autumn Statement. This was done in the midst of a bleak context for fuel-poor households. Bills this winter are higher for many than last, as while prices have fallen, households are left without support.

To put that into perspective, last winter was the worst we have seen in the more than 40 years that we have existed as a charity.

And it gets worse.

Energy debt is at a record high, largely because households fell behind on bills last winter, regardless of rationing.

We helped lead more than 140 organisations in writing to the Prime Minister asking for the

UK government to take action. National Energy Action has asked for support to directly reduce fuel-poor households’ energy bills, funding for debt relief, a recommitment to a social tariff and more funding for energy efficiency.

Fiscal events are about choices. And the Chancellor had some decisions to make. He had the headroom to be generous. He chose not to provide any support to help with energy bills or energy efficiency this winter or beyond.

Within a day of the statement, Ofgem announced that the price cap would increase by 5% in January. This comes at a time when new polling we commissioned showed that a quarter of households have struggled to pay their energy bills over the last three months, even before winter. This leaves our clients cold, unsafe, and unhealthy.

Within a day, Ofgem announced the price cap would increase by 5%

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Cold, as they cannot afford to heat their homes to a reasonable standard of warmth, and are living in freezing, damp homes. Beyond the money needed to afford heating, people are not able to cook a hot meal or use hot water for washing.

Unsafe, because they are using portable gas stoves or barbeques for cooking, candles as the main source of lighting and even burning furniture for warmth or regularly using unserviced heating appliances.

All dangerous practices.

Unhealthy, as underheating their homes can be dangerous to their physical and mental health, or even fatal. People can’t afford to refrigerate their food or medicines.

Others who are prioritising their heating and other energy use are falling further into energy debt, which is now at record levels.

This situation will worsen and that’s why we will continue to advocate on three key areas.

Firstly, to ensure that vulnerable households get more support to pay unaffordable energy bills. Along with well over a hundred other organisations, we are calling on all political parties to commit to the introduction of an energy social tariff, providing lower bills or deeper discounts for vulnerable households.

Secondly, record levels of energy debt are crushing households.

Alongside debt charities, National Energy Action is calling for the new Government to introduce a new ‘help to repay’ scheme to accelerate the repayment of energy debt to put extra money back into people’s pockets and local economies.

And we all know that improving energy efficiency cuts bills, carbon and improves lives. Early progress next parliament to improve the energy efficiency of fuel-poor homes is essential if statutory fuel poverty and carbon targets are to be met. Early investment to reduce the deepest levels of fuel poverty in homes and communities, alongside new regulatory drivers will generate the greatest societal, economic, and environmental benefits.

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Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

POLICY IN FOCUS

E VENTS IN FOCUS

Our virtual bootcamp helped almost 1,500 with vital energy advice National Energy Action’s online Bootcamp gave vital context and advice for energy advisers across the UK

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funding so they can keep heat in their homes.

Becky returned for a spotlight session on fuel debt to deliver a taster session for our Fuel Debt in the Community course.

It was an extremely timely moment as, just the week before, Ofgem had announced that householders owed £2.6 billion to their suppliers. This was a record high and concerningly it has increased again and is now over £2.9 million.

This winter is set to be extremely difficult for many of our clients, as well as clients who our stakeholders work with.

We were thrilled to invite Aryanisha Lawes to speak at our bootcamp. Aryanisha shared tips around mindset, communication and nervous system patterns to help advisers remain resilient when dealing with clients who are likely to be struggling this winter.

Thank you to everybody who attended, we hope that the session was useful and we plan to do other sessions like this in the future. Please contact molly.chambers@nea. org.uk for more information.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day took place on Thursday 30 November. Thank you for your support National Energy Action We also held an MP drop-in held this year’s Fuel at the Houses of Parliament, Poverty Awareness Day (FPAD) where more than 30 MPs from on Thursday 30 November. On across the political spectrum the day our partners and came to find out more. We stakeholders spoke to their shared our ‘not’ coping clients and followers about the strategies. See more on causes of and solutions to fuel page 12. poverty.

Additionally, we gave This year’s hashtag detailed fuel poverty statistics #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay for each constituency. This was shared over 2,000 times, resulted in not one but two leading to it trending sixth on questions at Prime Minister’s Twitter/X at its peak and it was Questions on Wednesday 6 in the top 10 all day. This December, again highlighting means our messages the need for more were shared with support. people and This year we also organisations who UK households offered bursaries for don’t necessarily are now in fuel organisations so they follow us already. poverty could hold events to Our media story raise awareness of fuel included the new number of poverty on our awareness day households in fuel poverty from and for our Nation’s Biggest 1 January after Ofgem’s 5% Housewarming fundraising price cap rise. Our figures event. See more on page 14. showed 6.5 million UK We offered over 60 bursaries households would be in fuel in total. poverty. We also released Organisations who got polling with YouGov showing involved included Highfield 41% of prepayment meter Co-op and Citizens Advice. This customers had selfhelped them give energy disconnected in the previous advice to vulnerable people three months - and that was and to fundraise for us, too. before winter hit. In total Thank you so much for National Energy Action and everyone who supported us Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and helped raise awareness of had appearances or mentions our work and yours at this in over 1,200 press stories. difficult time.

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Photo: National Energy Action

Over 1,400 people attended National Energy Action’s virtual ‘Energy Adviser Bootcamp’. It was hosted by Molly Chambers, our Project Development Manager.

Our Training Officer Becky Laflain began by highlighting the height of the problem. The price cap changing four times a year has caused uncertainty for householders. Energy costs are still nearly double what they were three years ago and standing charges are disproportionately higher for low users such as our clients who are forced to reduce their usage.

While outlining the government is not providing direct energy bill support this winter, Becky stressed the importance of ensuring that householders use their heating controls effectively. She also provided energy-saving tips to ensure households can stay warm, safe and healthy.

Our Director of Homes Colin Timmins gave information on ECO4, Nest, the boiler upgrade scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme. It is incredibly important that householders can take advantage of any government

RE TROFIT IN FOCUS

Tackling the ‘worst first’: retrofit event at the House of Commons

National Energy Action’s Director of Homes, Colin Timmins, on a meeting that brought together MPs and industry to talk about the challenges of retrofitting

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etrofit work to improve the homes of fuel-poor households must tackle the ‘worst first’. Yet it’s increasingly clear that this can mean more than just homes with a low EPC band. It can be homes where previous poorly done energy efficiency work needs to be rectified. Or those where the building and infrastructure need to be improved before we can address the energy efficiency.

These messages were made clear at a National Energy Action event at the House of Commons in November.

Hosted by Sir Mark Hendrick, the MP for Preston, the event focused on the problems experienced by families in Fishwick.

Failed external wall insulation installed under a previous government-funded scheme has caused severe problems for those families with moisture penetration and consequent mould growth.

Affordable Warmth Solutions and Centrica have provided support to National Energy Action, despite none of the organisations having had any involvement in the original failed works, and this has allowed a first phase of rectification work to be completed, with a second phase now underway.

Guy Shorrock from Chartered Building Surveyors Aldrock explained how they are working with contractors Seddon to address problems in these homes. This

Photo: National Energy Action

Some families faced severe problems including mould growth

set out some of the extreme challenges of a rescue project such as this, and how challenges have been resolved.

There was also a presentation from Professor Will Swan from Salford University. This focused on the broader issues of risk in the retrofit process and how we must address these to ensure trust in the market. The presentations stimulated a lively debate among the audience of practitioners, campaigners, and government representatives.

This event was a promising stepping stone towards identifying sustainable solutions to address such issues found in poor housing.

In particular, energy efficiency funding streams need to adequately support remedial work in owneroccupied homes so that no one is left behind on the journey to net zero.

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MEMBERS IN FOCUS

Care & Repair solution Many older people in Wales could fall deeper into fuel poverty this winter because of the cost-of-living crisis and a lack of long-term solutions, a new report has found.

The report, published by Care & Repair Cymru, sheds light on the serious winter challenges facing older people in Wales, which persist year on year.

Titled ‘Older People in Wales: Poverty in Winter 2023-24’, the report reveals that, despite government financial support, the average Care & Repair client will be spending 19% of their income on fuel and water bills this winter.

Chris Jones, CEO of Care & Repair Cymru, said, ‘From the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, we have seen more and more people struggling to keep on top of their energy bills, and unable to keep warm and safe in their homes. At Care & Repair Cymru, we do not accept that any older person should become ill because they live in a cold home. But long-term solutions are needed to ensure households can afford to keep warm, ultimately preventing cold-related illnesses and unnecessary hospital admissions.’

The findings show that 96% of households accessing Care & Repair’s energy advice service were identified as living in fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty poses significant health risks, especially to those aged 75 and above, increasing the likelihood of respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, falls, and hospitalisations.

Care & Repair helps people like 67-year-old Sally (not her real name), who lives in a 1950s terraced house in Cardiff. She had been struggling with a cold home and broken heating for several years. She said, ‘After having the boiler for over 15 years it

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was breaking down and we couldn’t get the parts. It was a real worry that I would be freezing cold and it wouldn’t come on. Sometimes there was no hot water because the boiler had gone, so we were boiling kettles and saucepans.’ Sally was referred to Care & Repair and the Welsh Government’s NEST scheme. Sally added, ‘Sarah Penny from Care & Repair introduced me to NEST. Best thing that ever happened; saved my skin. I was so relieved and so happy.’

After an initial assessment a completely new central heating system was installed in Sally’s home, and she’s thrilled with the outcome, ‘It is lovely and warm now, when you put the radiators on it is so toasty in the lounge and upstairs. My daughters are happy because they don’t have to worry about me now.’

While there has been an increase in the state pension in line with inflation, older citizens still face higher utility expenses. This places additional stress on already vulnerable households, raising concerns about escalating debts and the struggle to afford necessities.

The report underlines the limitations of short-term measures in addressing the financial burdens older people face, and calls for lasting, comprehensive solutions.

Faye Patton, Policy Manager at Care & Repair Cymru, said, ‘While immediate government support has been a lifeline, it’s not a blueprint for lasting change. We need sustainable solutions that address the root causes of energy poverty among older people in Wales. This isn’t just about this winter or the next; it’s about breaking the cycle of fuel poverty and adopting long-term strategies. We must create an environment where the older generation can comfortably heat

their homes without sacrificing their well-being.’

Care & Repair Cymru proposes several long-term solutions to address these issues. They believe that the introduction of social tariffs is one idea that would help, as it involves offering discounted energy price plans to vulnerable households to ensure affordability, safeguarding against future energy price surges.

The charity is also calling for a safety net grant for housing disrepair, which will rectify hazardous disrepair in Welsh homes and significantly improve thermal efficiency, curbing unnecessary energy usage.

Photo: Shutterstock

The average client of Care & Repair Cymru spends 19% of their income on fuel and water bills in winter. A new report shines a light on the serious winter challenges facing older people in Wales

Helping vulnerabl Northern Gas Networks has Northern Gas Networks (NGN) transports gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses across the North East, northern Cumbria and Yorkshire.

Through its Ofgem-funded Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Allowance (VCMA), NGN provides funding to organisations, who are experts in their fields to advise on and help resolve, with practical solutions, the problems people face when they struggle to keep their homes warm.

NGN now has 65 projects across its geographical footprint and is now casting its net wider to find additional partners.

As part of its Customer Vulnerability strategy, NGN organises events throughout the year aimed at addressing the issues facing customers in vulnerable W W W.N E A . O RG. UK

MEMBERS IN FOCUS

One in four lived in dangerously cold social homes last winter Switchee’s Housing Fuel Poverty index shows some worrying trends With temperatures plummeting, more and more people in social homes are falling into fuel poverty.

In October, Switchee’s Housing Fuel Poverty Index (HFPI), a real-time aggregated metric tracking the prevalence of dangerously cold social homes in the UK, shows that one in 17 social homes are currently experiencing fuel poverty. This is already a 35 per cent increase on the week beginning 23 October 2023.

These figures reflected the unseasonably warm October we’ve had and would get worse.

For example, at last year’s peak (winter 2022-23) that figure was one in four – an additional 307,016 social homes that were dangerously cold and unsafe. The average for winter 2022-23 was 12.7 per cent – around one in eight. 12.7 per cent was an increase on winter 2021-22’s average of 7.9 per cent, demonstrating a clear deepening of the UK’s social housing fuel poverty crisis.

Let’s analyse some of the knock-on effects of winter 2022-23’s peak. Considering the likely health effects caused by living in cold homes, an additional 307,016 social homes experiencing fuel poverty equates to an additional potential 16,424 NHS admissions.

Those admissions translate to a possible cost to the UK economy of £52.4 million – enough money to cover the annual heating bills of an estimated 34,950 homes.

le customers

more than 65 projects... situations; bringing together its wide-ranging partnership network to develop and roll out best practice and share experiences.

Recently, delegates came together to speak with the NGN team about their organisations’ work to date and future plans to support people facing and experiencing fuel poverty.

Homes that are cold due to fuel poverty exacerbate health inequalities and the area where NGN operates contains some of the most economically challenged communities in the UK, from remote parts of rural Northumberland to deprived areas of Bradford.

Eileen Brown, Customer Experience Manager at NGN said: ‘We were delighted that so many WINTER 2023/24

These figures are shocking and fall well short of the standards those living in social homes deserve. There’s a clear need for urgent action – and has been for some time. So what can be done? First and foremost, there needs to be sector-wide acknowledgement that ‘traditional’ methods of tracking the prevalence of fuel poverty and, as a consequence, the likelihood of homes experiencing harmful conditions, such as damp or mould, are grossly outdated. The sector needs accurate information fast if it’s to act quickly, and

quick action is what the sector needs right now. Switchee’s HFPI serves this purpose.

To use an old adage, knowledge is power (and empowering). The insights Switchee’s HFPI provides, as profiled in The Guardian recently, can empower the social housing sector, as well as Non-Government Organisations, heating and poverty charities, regional and national government, journalists and campaigners, to take meaningful action quickly. This would be action that’s informed and vindicated by accurate, real-time data rather than outdated traditional methods.

organisations gave their time recently to collaborate with us on how best to direct the funds that we have available to support local projects.

‘Understanding and hearing the issues from these experts is essential for us to be able to provide financial support to on-the-ground organisations directly helping people who are really struggling and worrying about keeping warm during the colder months. Working with expert partners across our region means we can target advice and awareness to where it’s needed most and develop projects delivering tangible benefits to people’s lives.’

Northern Gas Networks is now looking for additional partners to come on board. If you’d like to hear more about funding available through NGN, email VCMA@northerngas.co.uk and https://together.northerngasnetworks.co. uk/events.

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MEMBERS IN FOCUS

Orbit continues its successful energy advice support Affordable housing provider Orbit, has commenced the second year of its successful partnership with National Energy Action (NEA) as part of its efforts to support customers struggling with winter energy bills.

This is in response to the cost-of-living crisis and as part of Orbit’s existing Better Days programme which offers free support to customers on a range of issues including financial inclusion, mental health, employment, skills and digital training.

The energy advice service provides specialist assistance to Orbit customers most in need via telephone, face-to-face community events, home visits and through the distribution of energy saving packs.

While the support each customer receives is dependent on their circumstances, it includes support with accessing energy grants, fuel debt applications, prepayment vouchers, liaising with energy suppliers, and changing tariffs or payment types. It also allows the energy advisers to determine the root causes of high energy bills allowing for energy efficiency and behavioural advice and referrals back into Orbit where issues with heating systems or the fabric of the building are identified.

Orbit colleagues also completed the Level 3 Energy Awareness qualification offered by NEA to equip frontline colleagues to deliver an effective advice service.

Orbit’s own research conducted with 800 representative customers in March and April 2023, revealed that nearly three quarters had either turned the heating down (75%) or off completely (72%) during the winter months. Orbit also

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has twice as many households (29%) using prepayment meters compared to the UK average (14%) and of these, 32% of customers said that they had been unable to afford to top up their meters at least once over the last 12 months.

Lucy McGovern, Head of Thriving Communities commented: ‘Through our partnership with National Energy Action, Orbit is successfully supporting some of its most vulnerable customers to remain warm and well in their homes via expert and contemporaneous advice.’

Warming communities In the last few years, domestic energy customers have faced immense challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic, spiralling energy prices and a cost-of-living crisis. These upheavals have pushed more people into fuel poverty and capacity issues in the sector have meant that existing barriers and inequalities have become entrenched for marginalised groups.

We are keen that energy advice and suppliers should be fair, accessible and adaptive to the needs of all domestic customers. We are pleased to work on the Warming Communities programme, a collaborative project which seeks to work with trusted partners who work with the most marginalised clients in the market to explore what support they need, what

barriers exist, and how we create a more inclusive, bespoke advice landscape with best practice learning to share throughout the sector.

Our regional development team has been working to establish partners in their local areas and set up tailored models of intervention. One member of the project team, Rebecca Jones, said: ‘Many marginalised groups are often overlooked for support because of the time, or money, involved in engaging with them and their needs. This includes being able to produce training or resources that can be shared widely, helping other organisations work more easily with the groups. Providing support to smaller community or support groups and working directly with marginalised groups, can mean information and support ripples through their wider communities.’ For more information on the Warming Communities programme, please email molly.chambers@nea.org.uk.

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Photo: Orbit/ Shutterstock

Working with National Energy Action, the housing provider is supporting its customers

NORTHERN IREL AND IN FOCUS 20 Electricity North West apprecntices cycled 400km to raise funds

An update from Northern Ireland

National Energy Action’s Director of Northern Ireland, Pat Austin explains how the political stalemate has impacted our work...

For the past 18 months, Northern Ireland has been in political stalemate with the DUP refusing to enter power-sharing arrangements due to protests over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Consequently, our Assembly’s power is hampered with an inability to bring forward new legislation and address the ‘energy and cost-of-living crisis’, as well as the raft of other pressures across all departments.

Despite this impasse, we have continued to power on with our policy and advocacy work. Albeit late, we managed to get the Energy Price Guarantee and the Energy Bills Support Scheme into Northern Ireland, but missed many other interventions due to the lack of government.

This year we forged ahead with our own set of campaign asks. Ahead of the Department for Communities’ announcement for a long-awaited new fuel poverty strategy for 2025, we set about influencing that process through our Fuel Poverty Coalition (FPC).

Chaired by National Energy Action, the FPC launched a report which outlines what the 160-group membership considers to be the key strategic priorities, tangible outcomes and deliverable action points central to the development of a new Fuel Poverty Strategy to ensure it can deliver effectively for fuel-poor homes. This includes a number of key principles to ensure actions to support those who are most vulnerable and a commitment to avoid any postcode lotteries, as well as to target support to those who need it the most first. It also calls on policymakers and politicians to embed an emergency response ahead of what will be another difficult winter for many households across Northern Ireland.

To underpin this work, we also commissioned LucidTalk to carry out a second year of polling, in a bid to understand the impact of high energy bills WINTER 2023/24

on households. The findings of the research are stark with over 40% of households now considered to be living in fuel poverty. This is significantly more than the last rate depicted in official statistics, which showed 22% in fuel poverty in 2016.

32% of respondents to the survey said a member of their household’s health and wellbeing had been impacted by high energy bills, mental health impacts being most commonly reported, while other respondents said that they or a member of their household, had experienced impacts to their general physical health, a deterioration of an existing condition or had required more visits to a GP or hospital.

Not surprisingly, 61% of households also admitted to being worried about paying for their energy, either at present or in the coming winter.

Our projects in Northern Ireland Our projects continue to thrive and our Northern Exposure, supported by the Public Health Agency continues to develop flexibly to provide the best outcomes for our clients. Working in partnership with key agencies we have directly supported over 200 homes with electric, gas and oil top-ups as well as energy efficiency advice and direct interventions. We anticipate this increasing significantly in the coming months as we prepare for winter, which includes the management of the Winter Warmth Support Pack Scheme and the Belfast Warm and Well Project.

Our training and awareness work continues.

Since April we have delivered 33 information sessions, which have been attended by approximately 400 householders. We also increased demand for webinars, in particular, delivered 10 ‘Changing Energy-Related Behaviour’ training sessions to frontline staff.

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Photo: Tom Jackson/Tynesight Photography

National Energy Action’s conference. Left, our Chief Executive Adam Scorer

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CONFERENCE IN FOCUS

Energy Crisis: two years in: Our Annual Conference and Exhibition National Energy Action’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, Peter Smith, reflects on the three days of our Annual Conference and Exhibition

ast month, 45 speakers, over running up thousands of pounds of 310 delegates and over 25 debt and going cold and hungry. exhibitors came together for Given the bleak context, it would have National Energy Action’s been understandable if the conference had Annual Conference in Leicester. The been dominated by shared anxiety and context for this year’s conference was anguish. While these sentiments were no exceptionally grim: doubt shared and expressed, it was a • We are two years into an energy crucial time to bring together stakeholders crisis and this winter may well be the from a range of sectors with an interest in worst we’ve seen in the 40 plus years fuel poverty and energy efficiency to that we’ve existed as a charity. discuss and debate the best ways to address • Due to the current and anticipated the current energy level of household bills and energy crisis. It didn’t debt, and the lack of any additional disappoint.

UK Government support, National Delegates heard Energy Action estimates 6.5 million directly from heard UK households will be in fuel from Councillors poverty from January when prices and Leicester City Council’s Director of will rise again for over 25 million Public Health about the challenges of and households. solutions to fuel poverty in Leicester.

• Over 2 million more households are Amanda Solloway, the Energy Minister in fuel poverty than two years ago. spoke about her hopes for better • New polling, which we released for supporting fuel poor households. Civil our Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, society charities shared their hopes for how prior to conference, revealed the to support the most vulnerable people in shocking (non) coping tactics people our society. Leading frontline organisations are resorting to. This includes shared the insights of their practical

Photo: Tom Jackson/Tynesight Photography

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delivery work. Industry experts and academics helped shed new light on known and difficult challenges. We also heard from our sponsors OVO and Cadent, who also sponsored 10 bursary places. Overall our expert speakers and guest contributors like Sir Micheal Marmot and Martin Lewis helped to energise people at a difficult time.

Over the hum of networking on the Tuesday night, I overheard one delegate remark: ‘This is why I come to Conference. For months you think you’re alone, working to support people to keep warm, and then you realise, there are loads of us doing the same job.

Everyone cares about the same thing, so much.’ This is the sentiment that gets me and others through tough times and it’s why we hold our annual conference.

There will be plenty more challenging moments ahead, but conference is the perfect reminder that we do not face them alone, and together we will help more people be warm, safe and healthy in their homes.

Everyone cares about the same thing, so much

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Conference spotlight

National Energy Action’s conference, sponsored by Cadent and OVO. If you missed any sessions, catch up on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/neaukcharity Monday 4 December 6.00pm Exhibition opening with Cllr Sarah Russell, Deputy City Mayor, Leicester City Tuesday 5 December 9.30am-10.00am Keynote • Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action • Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 10.00am-11.15am Where are we on the energy crisis two years in?

The session investigates the impact of the energy crisis, two years in. It explores the theme by hearing from people affected, about the impacts on frontline organisations and subject experts on the impact of debt, the impact on renters, the impact on householders with long-term health conditions and disabilities and the impact on children.

• Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action (chair) • Grace Brownfield, Money Advice Trust (video) • Michelle O’Neil, Development Support Officer, NSPCC • Louise Rubin, Head of Policy, Scope • Ros Kane, Fuel Bank Foundation 11.45am-1.00pm What does the crisis tell us about next steps on fuel poverty?

Preview of National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Monitor 2022-23, including UK-wide perspectives from across the nations and new analysis on the benefits of meeting fuel poverty commitments.

• Peter Smith, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Energy Action (Chair) • Anna Quincey, Economic Analyst, Gemserv, Low Carbon Business Unit • Ben Saltmarsh, Head of Wales, 12 | Fu el Pover t y Fo cu s

• •

National Energy Action Cymru Pat Austin, Director Northern Ireland, National Energy Action Frazer Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Action Scotland

2.15pm-3.30pm: BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS A) Making energy markets fairer and more affordable for vulnerable households Energy regulator Ofgem announced that energy debt reached £2.6 billion – its highest ever level. The session provides an update on recent developments in the energy market (across GB and NI). It explores which outstanding areas need to be prioritised to lead to fairer and more affordable outcomes for low income and vulnerable consumers.

• Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action • John French, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Utility Regulator • Gareth Wood, Vice President of Operations, OVO • Naomi Schraer, Senior Policy Researcher, Citizens Advice • Cathryn Scott, Director of Enforcement and Emerging Issues, Ofgem • Paul McCloghrie, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero B) Warmer and more affordable to heat: Warm Homes Fund lessons learnt The session shares findings of the Warm Homes Fund (WHF), set up by National Grid and community interest company, Affordable Warmth Solutions. The evaluation was led by Newcastle University, NEA, and Energy Audit Company, who together comprise the WHF programme evaluation consortium.

The session highlights the social and economic benefits of the programme and how support aimed to reach households most in need.

• Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director,

• • •

Affordable Warmth Solutions Dr Gareth Powells, Senior Lecturer, Newcastle University Helen Stockton, Head of Research, National Energy Action James Sommerville, Policy and Partnerships Director, Agility Eco

C) Helping households maximise income: Addressing the impact of negative budgets and low awareness of benefit entitlements Income maximisation advice such as benefit checks and form filling (i.e. Personal Independence Payments, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance etc) can lead to those with a low-income accessing entitlements that can help with the soaring cost of living. This session explores the benefits of helping households maximise their incomes and the challenges people face navigating a complex system.

• Peter Sumby, Director of Communities, National Energy Action (Chair) • Linda Tookey, Money Advice and Benefits Manager, Vivid Homes • Earl Richards, Regional Technical Manager, Services Beyond the Meter, Cadent • Rob Sandalls, Utilities and Telecoms Manager, Stepchange • Nye Gordon, Director, Sia Partners 4.00pm-5.15pm Will a General Election help or hinder fuel poor households?

A General Election could be held next year. As well as being an opportunity to secure ambitious manifesto commitments, it could create a policy hiatus when the energy crisis means low-income and vulnerable households face pressing W W W.N E A . O RG. UK

CONFERENCE IN FOCUS

challenges. This session includes political insights on how fuel poor households may be impacted by the prospect of a General Election. It also showcases the benefits of working together to bring about positive change.

• Peter Smith, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Energy Action • Simon Francis, End Fuel Poverty Coalition • Caroline Flint, Chair, Committee on Fuel Poverty 7.00pm Conference dinner, kindly sponsored by OVO.

10.15am-11.30am BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS

much more accessible.

• Danni Barnes, Director of Development and Partnerships, National Energy Action • Carol Linton, Energy Coordinator, Croydon BME Forum • Mickey Reedy, Customer Support Officer, North Paddington Foodbank • Dawn Hewitson, Accrington Blind Society

B) Warm Homes, Healthy Futures A) Working with marginalised and This session goes beyond the wellunderserved communities: creating established evidence base that now and delivering inclusive services unquestionably demonstrates the links Many communities continue to face barriers between cold homes and poor health to engaging with advice and mainstream and well-being. Instead, it draws on services. Our recent work with digitally cross-sectoral expertise and the excluded households and the Gypsy and experiences of organisations that have Traveller community highlighted that delivered health and housing services programmes of support often miss these and programmes. We consider key households, leaving them more vulnerable aspects of work on housing and health to the impacts of high energy costs. It is such as data sharing, partnerships with essential that we build a more inclusive the health sector, strategy development focus to policy design and evaluation. and sharing best practice as well as This session hears from experts working health improvement in the context of within marginalised communities to better the net zero. understand some of the barriers. It • Danielle Butler, Senior Research considers how we improve accessibility to and Policy Officer, National advice and support, and showcases Energy Action initiatives that aim to meet these challenges • Bill Purvis, Programme Manager, and ensure services and national policies are Derbyshire Healthy Homes WINTER 2023/24

• • •

James Perry, Director, egnida Innovation Kate de Selincourt, Writer and Editor, Sustainability and Energy Leah Steadman, Research and Policy Manager, Marie Curie

C) Retrofitting Fuel Poor Homes: How can we go further and faster?

This session explores retrofit on a number of projects including the lessons learnt by NEA from replacing failed external wall insulation at Fishwick, Lancashire.

• Colin Timmins, Director of Homes, National Energy Action • Dr Jim Parker, Reader and Head of Sustainable Urban Environments, Leeds Sustainability Institute • Mark Norcliffe, Contracts Manager, Seddon Construction • Miranda Cumberbatch, Chief Executive Officer, Nottingham Energy Partnership 12.00pm-12.30pm: National Energy Action’s priorities for this winter and beyond Danni Barnes, Director of Development and Partnerships, National Energy Action reflects on how we can work together.

12.30pm-1.15pm: Awards presentation and conference close Adam Scorer, Chief Executive and Claire Durkin, Chair, National Energy Action.

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Photo: Tom Jackson/ Tynesight Photography

Wednesday 6 December 9.30am-10.00am Rob Howard, Director of Public Health, Leicester City Council and National Energy Action Trustee Many households need to use more energy to run medical equipment at home, but are being forced to ration or stop using it altogether. Others are running up unmanageable debt so that they can keep the heating on, causing a devastating impact on mental health. This session explores the physical and mental health impacts the energy crisis is having and how charities, public health officials, local authorities and the health sector can work together to help put an end to a cycle of hospital admission, discharge and readmission within health services, or even premature deaths.

FUEL POVERT Y IN FOCUS

Drastic fuel poverty ‘not’ coping strategies

t National Energy Action’s Conference and Exhibition, one stand showcased some of the shocking ‘not’ coping strategies the charity has seen.

These include clients using unsafe heaters and cookers like barbeques indoors, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Others include going without regular showers, drawing the curtains all day and going to bed early.

We also heard from one client who shaved her head to save time and money on costly electric showers.

Sadly, this is the reality for millions in fuel poverty, particularly during winter months.

We heard at conference from four clients who explained how hard their lives are. One, Julia - not her real name, told how her having long-term ME makes it hard for her to stay warm but can only afford to put her heating on every third night and turns everything off, even her oven. She described the standing charge

A

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as ‘absolutely crippling’. She said, ‘I didn’t expect to be living my retirement thinking it’s warmer to go to bed.’

Naseem explained how caring for his disabled brother means his earnings are lower than they used to be and he’s got into debt trying to pay his energy bills. ‘I don’t put my heating on,’ he says. He said it’s warmer to go to work.

While Caroline, who was diagnosed this year with cancer, says if she gets cold it’s ‘unbearable’. She described it like being in a block of ice and she struggles to warm up again.

She discovered she was no longer eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount that she was relying on because the criteria have changed. She said, ‘The Government is turning its back on us. I am going to get in debt. I’m going to rely on a credit card. Who’s going to help me?’

If you want to hear the full video go to www.youtube.com/ neacharity W W W.N E A . O RG. UK

Photo: Tom Jackson/Tynesight Photography

At our conference we showcased some of the dramatic tactics some of our clients have been driven to because of fuel poverty on our ‘living experience’ stand...

PEOPLE IN FOCUS

Our award winners

Five worthy winners got awards from our sponsors OVO and Cadent, and our Chair Claire Durkin

Carol Linton (this photo). Clockwise from top left Thomas Bunce, Tina Potter, Laura Wilcox and Shital Visana

At this year’s National Energy Action Annual Conference, we want to recognise individuals and teams who have worked towards helping those in fuel poverty. We know the incredible work that goes on among our stakeholders and supporters and want to acknowledge it. The prize was a certificate, a small token of appreciation and a free place at our next conference.

WINNER Reaching out: Engagement of diverse groups Carol Linton, Energy Adviser, Croydon BME Carol is exceptional, delivering crucial information to Croydon’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

Carol has delivered sessions with Black elders to disseminate vital information in their communities. She runs energy surgeries and recently helped put on an event helping those who are digitally excluded. She also speaks to people about energy justice – and how fuel insecurity can disproportionately affect members of the BME community.

Her colleague described Carol as ‘a fierce advocate for getting energy advice to those who need it most’.

WINNER Saving lives: Positive impacts on health Thomas Bunce on behalf of Clyd a Chynnes Cosy and Warm, Community Development, Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association The project blends slow cooking with energy advice in Merthyr Tydfil.

WINTER 2023/24

The team has run 60 sessions in 2023 and engaged with 200 people.

Using the Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT) mental health social value calculator, it shows the project has meant people are able to save regularly, feel financially comfortable and with improved mental and physical health.

The social value generated is £208,803. In other words, for the £18,513 spent this year, it has returned £11.28 for each pound.

The biggest difference, according to participants, was how the project helped to reduce loneliness.

WINNER Unsung hero: giving recognition to a lesser-known hero within your organisation Tina Potter, Warm Homes Coordinator, Leicester Council Tina kick-started the process of helping residents by independently giving advice about grants and ways to stay warmer for less.

Because of Tina’s dedication, the Warm Homes team successfully helps on average 125 residents a week to access funding for insulation and broken boilers, support with paying energy bills and much more.

Danielle, who nominated Tina, says: ‘The service would not exist the way it does today if it wasn’t for Tina’s hard work and passion.’

WINNER - Going the extra mile: showcasing excellence in customer care Shital Visana, Project Manager, Marches Energy Agency

Shital has been quietly and effectively liaising with councils and installers as well as homeowners. She has managed to keep the householder at the forefront of her mind throughout what is a highly administrative process. One customer said, ‘I don’t think I have known of a more determined person ever. Now we have a new boiler that works really well. It will save us lots of money and keeps us much warmer.’

Not only did Shital negotiate the fitting of a more efficient replacement boiler, she also arranged for £481 of fuel debt to be cleared, along with two electric throws. Shital shows the same persistence for all of the people she helps.

WINNER: Champion on the ground: advocating for fuel poor households locally Laura Wilcox, Specialist Energy Adviser, East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice Laura’s commitment to improving lives through her deep understanding of energy issues is incredible. Her colleague Ros Dignan, said: ‘Laura’s hands-on approach in directly assisting clients, especially in the most challenging cases, goes beyond expectations.’

As a Specialist Energy Adviser, Laura frequently tackles exotic meter issues, investing additional time to ensure resolutions aligned with Ofgem’s supply licence conditions One client said: ‘Laura took on my problem completely. I cannot express strongly enough my thanks. Certainly a gold member of staff.’

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TRAINING AND FUNDRAISING IN FOCUS

TRAINING NATIONAL ENERGY ACTION’S TRAINING COURSES National Energy Action offers a range of learning options. Our courses are available in a variety of formats including e-learning, webinars and face-to-face for flexible and convenient learning.

Learning options include: QUALIFICATIONS ● Level 1: Using energy in the home ● Level 2 award in fuel debt advice in the community 6281-16 ● Level 2 award introduction to domestic renewable low carbon technologies ● Level 3 award in energy awareness 6281-01 ● Level 4: Decarbonising homes: Technologies, impacts and solutions SHORT INTRODUCTORY COURSES ● Changing energy-related behaviour ● Delivering high quality domestic energy advice: a practical guide ● Fuel poverty and health ● Introdcution to domestic energy efficiency ● Paying for fuel ● Understanding fuel poverty and the impacts on mental health ● Vulnerability in the energy market ● Living with the energy crisis ● Providing advice to vulnerable clients ● Introduction to domestic smart meters For more information go to www. nea.org.uk/training

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Walk for warmth Join us on 27 January to raise vital funds and awareness...

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oin Nation Energy Action on 27 January for our inaugural Walk for Warmth event, as we take a stroll through Newcastle city centre raising funds and awareness of fuel poverty.

Starting at the iconic St James’ Park, we’ll pass by Grey’s Monument and then along to the Quayside before finishing at National Energy Action’s Head Office. After the walk, we’ll get together to warm up with some hot chocolate and a biscuit or two.

This walk offers a great opportunity to bring teams together for a New Year challenge and meet like-minded people who are committed to fighting fuel poverty.

Every step we take together is a step towards providing warmth for the millions of households, struggling to stay warm in their own home.

So, if you’re able to, join us up in Newcastle and Walk for Warmth. For those further afield, we encourage you to create

your own walk and join us remotely on the day, by recording your walk on our Strava Club with and using the hashtag #WalkForWarmth.

Contact alice.dalgliesh@nea.org.uk for more information.

Nation’s Biggest Housewarming

Tea, cake and jumpers to raise funds for those in fuel poverty

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n December, National Energy Action held its Nation’s Biggest Housewarming fundraising event. Many organisations across the country have been fundraising for us. The events included a bake sale, Christmas raffle and a Christmas Jumper day to raise vital funds.

We held our own Housewarming event during our staff conference on 12 December.

We also had a stall to promote it at our annual conference on Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 December, which was visited

by Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability.

Many organisations took part including Sycous and Switched on Portsmouth.

W W W.N E A . O RG. UK

FUNDRAISING IN FOCUS

Photos: Shutterstock, iStock, Freepik, and Tom Jackson/ Tynesight Photography

GETTING INVOLVED Our WInter Warmth Support Packs contain warm hooded blankets, thermos style flasks and energy efficiency measures

Operation Warmth Thank you to everyone who has helped raise awareness of our Operation Warmth campaign, which encouraged people to give the gift of warmth this Christmas.

We shared videos and statistics on our social media channels including Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. We shared messaging about transforming lives and spreading warmth and hope, amid the energy crisis.

Find out more here: www.nea.org.uk/support-us/ make-a-donation/operationwarmth.

Help with Winter Warmth Support Packs Our Winter Warmth Support Packs contain items that will help households in the depths of fuel poverty, including a warm hoodie, a thermos style flask, energy efficient lightbulbs and draught proofing.

But we can’t make them alone. Thank you to all of the corporate volunteers who’ve attended our warehouse in the north east to pack these bags. In December Siemens Energy packed an astonishing 267 packs, which are now being distributed.

If you and your colleagues fancy a challenge email alice.dalgleish@nea.org.uk to find out more.

Woman’s Weekly’s chosen charity

Claiming Gift Aid If you’re a UK taxpayer and you’re donating to us, please consider allowing us to reclaim the Gift Aid. Donating through Gift Aid means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It won’t cost you a penny extra. Find our more at www.gov.uk/donating-tocharity/gift-aid.

WINTER 2023/24

National Energy Action was honoured to be named Women’s Weekly charity of the year. Their talented, crafty readers worked hard on their winter campaign knitting baby cardigans, blankets, toys and more, which we were able to share with our community events team and partner organisations.

We have found good homes for these lovely items at over 36 organisations across the country, from Cornwall to Newcastle, at events and through partnerships with charities supporting families facing fuel poverty over the winter. One grateful mum told us, ‘I can’t stop thinking of your help every time I dress my son. I want to say a massive thank you so much.’

A partner organisation who received a donation box, Growbaby Chelmsford, said, ‘Thank you so much for giving us a huge box of wonderful treasures, all ready for those chilly days ahead. Just as soon as they were out they were taken by families, who were so very thankful.’

We’re extremely grateful to the wonderful readers of Woman’s Weekly for supporting so many families with their generosity.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION Twitter/X and Threads: @NEA_UKCharity Instagram: www.instagram.com/nea_ukcharity Linked In: www.linkedin.com/company/national-energy-action Facebook: www.facebook.com/nationalenergyaction

NATIONAL ENERGY ACTION National Energy Action, the fuel poverty charity, campaigns so everyone can afford to live in a warm and safe home. This is something denied to millions because of poor housing, low incomes, and high bills.

Working across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, everything we do aims to improve the lives of people in fuel poverty. We directly support people with energy and income maximisation advice and we advocate on issues including improving the energy efficiency of our homes.

We do not work alone. Partnerships and collaboration have been at the heart of NEA for over 40 years, helping us drive better health and wellbeing outcomes for people struggling to heat their homes.

WHERE TO FIND US

NEA is an independent charity, Registration No. 290511. Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, No. 1853927 Registered office: Level 6, West One, Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PA Tel: 0191 261 5677

Illustration: Indigo Design/ Shutterstock

Email: focus@nea.org.uk Web: www.nea.org.uk