Today is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on 27th November 2024. The energy crisis has continued for over three years, over 6 million UK households cannot afford to keep warm, safe and healthy. On this day, National Energy Action (NEA) is highlighting the living experience of people who live in cold homes, campaigning for more support and highlighting the solutions to fuel poverty.
Here is a fantastic piece written by one of our volunteers, Paola Orrego Monsalve:
The country is dealing with three energy problems that are linked, and together could worsen poverty and inequality. The first, “energy poverty”, where people can't afford enough heat and electricity, is a serious issue for many households in England, especially during winter. At the same time, efforts towards "energy justice", the ability to provide fair access to affordable and sustainable energy for everyone, is failing.
Worsening these issues is the lack of “energy security” with England still relying on imports of foreign fossil fuels. Collectively, the three pose significant challenges to social and economic stability. Substantial number of households across the country are struggling to keep the lights and heating on. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there was significant rise in gas prices which caused energy bills to increase by around 54%.
By October, despite the introduction of the Energy Price Guarantee, bills continued to be 27% higher compared to February 2022. Despite Ofgem measurements, between October 1st and December 31st, 2024, the energy price cap is set at £1,717 per year, an increase of 10% compared to the cap set between July 1st and September 30th, 2024 (£1,568).
A staggering 13% of households in England experience energy poverty. The highest rates of fuel poverty are found in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, partly due to older houses with inadequate insulation, and lower incomes.
Rising energy prices and inflation have started to affect middle-income households, making energy affordability a national issue. Across the country, people’s life quality, health and well-being are widely affected.
Fortunately, there is a way to counter energy poverty, reduce energy bills, and keep them low going forward. Renewable energy is the cheapest and cleaner option to produce electricity, England has been ramping up projects, from offshore wind farms on the East Coast, to solar farms in the Southwest. Presently, operational and in development projects have the capacity of powering 7 million homes across the country.
In 2024, 45% of electricity comes from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. The country is reducing its dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and creating sustainable solutions for energy security. Renewable energy developments are crucial in ensuring more affordable energy for all.
The ongoing shift to sustainable green energy is promising, but more is needed. Public and private investment in renewable projects and development of new green technology would reduce electricity bills and increase grid reliability. Targeted provision of grants and incentives for e.g. installation of heat pumps and solar panels, as well as of efficient home insulation across poorer areas, is paramount.
A key part of reaching zero energy poverty and Net-Zero emissions, is community energy initiatives. Local movements are stepping up to tackle energy poverty head-on. Community projects are growing in popularity across England and could be a big part of the solution to energy poverty and energy resilience in the future.
Croydon Community Energy (CCE) is at the forefront of creating sustainable, affordable energy solutions. It is leading the charge in bringing affordable, low-carbon, efficient green energy to local residents. CCE will install solar panels on local schools, community centres and housing estates, allowing the community to generate their own renewable energy.
By reducing dependence on national grids, community energy projects help lower energy bills, whilst also generating income for the local community.
By empowering communities and giving them asset ownership, organisations such as CCE are helping to bridge the gap between rich and impoverished areas in the fight against energy poverty. As the newly launched "Great British Energy" company begins operations and the recently announced "Warm Homes" initiative—outlined in the Autumn Budget just ten days ago—starts to roll out, there are immediate steps we can take at the household and community levels. These actions not only help reduce energy bills but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
A straightforward way to save on energy bills is by shopping around for better tariffs. Use price comparison websites to compare deals and consider switching to a provider that offers green energy. Lower carbon footprint while saving money.
Smart meters and smart thermostats can make an enormous difference in how efficiently a household uses energy, they can track how much electricity is been used in real time and identify areas where cutbacks could be possible. If you don’t yet have a smart meter, you can contact your energy supplier and ask them to install one free of charge.
Household gadgets like TVs, gaming consoles, and microwaves can use up electricity when on standby. Unplugging these appliances when not in use or switching them off at the plug can save up to £65 a year on your electricity bill.
When possible, switch to LED Bulbs which are more energy-efficient and last longer than traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs. There is an upfront cost, but in comparison they use up to 90% less electricity.
Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C to save around 40% on energy usage. Schedule the wash between 11pm. and 4am. if you have an economy tariff with cheaper electricity overnight. If possible, air-dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer.
Using the oven would consume a great deal of electricity. Microwaves, slow cookers, and air fryers use much less. Try to use them for smaller meals where possible.
When buying new appliances, look for energy-efficient models with high energy ratings of A++ and above.
Self-adhesive strips are an inexpensive and effective way to seal draughty doors and windows. This would keep warm air in and cold air out, reducing the amount of electricity used for heating.
Lowering the boiler’s temperature to 55 °C can reduce energy bills, but make sure your home stays at a healthy temperature.
Investing in solar panels is a long-term energy-saving solution, government schemes and grants are often available. A household could generate its own power, and even sell excess electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme.
Demand action on renewable projects, green investment, and energy democratisation. Write to the local Mayor, Councillors and members of the London Assembly. Their role is to act in the community’s interest, and there is no greater urgency than protecting the planet while cutting energy costs. https://directory.londoncouncils.gov.uk/
Finally, find out if there is a Community Energy group in your borough, participate in community engagement activities, spread the word to your friends and family. Keep an eye for solar panels being installed at a public building near you, advocate for clean energy, share ideas, play an active role through volunteering. If there is not a local community energy group, start and lead one. https://www.communityenergy.london/member-groups/
The NEA has written a template letter for you to send to Members of Parliament to call for more support for fuel poor households. This includes actions for this coming winter and longer-term. You can access the letter here: https://www.nea.org.uk/energycrisis/contact-your-elected-rep/
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