Understanding Fuel Poverty: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

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Fuel poverty is a pressing issue affecting many households, leading to health risks and excess winter deaths. This article explores the causes of fuel poverty, its impact on individuals, and the crucial role of organizations like Severn Wye Energy Agency in addressing this societal challenge.

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Severn Wye Energy Agency Warm & Well Ruth Davey Partnerships Coordinator Email: warmandwell@severnwye.org.uk

Severn Wye Energy Agency Not for profit organisation Registered educational charity Work with schools, businesses, communities and households

Warm and Well Helps people to stay warm and healthy at home Recognises links between fuel poverty, poor health and energy efficiency Works with community, CCG and other health related organisations and local authorities

Fuel Poverty What is it? The condition of being unable to afford to keep one's home adequately heated Old calculation: spending more than 10% of residual household income on heating, lighting and energy New calculation: Low Income High Costs This new definition states that a household is said to be in fuel poverty if: They have required fuel costs that are above average (the national median level), and Were they to spend that amount they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line.

Causes of fuel poverty Low income Energy prices Fuels available Energy inefficient property Under occupancy Inefficient use of energy in the home

Some stats

Some stats The UK has one of the highest excess winter death rates in Europe with thousands of people dying needlessly every year because of excessive cold temperatures in their home during the winter months. (NICE 2015) In 2013 14, there were 18,200 excess winter deaths in England and Wales. Conservative estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that around 30% of excess winter deaths can be attributed to cold indoor temperatures; this means that around 5,460 people died in 2013 14 due to cold housing in the winter months. (NICE 2015)

Identifying the problem Clients unlikely to identify themselves as in fuel poverty More likely to say: I can t pay my electricity/gas bill I m about to be disconnected I can t afford to heat my house My house is cold My house is damp I m always ill

Identifying fuel poverty Asthma or wheezing Home cold/ draughty/ partial heating Damp smells Evidence only parts of house in use Housing in poor condition/ mould/ rot Occupants unhappy depression, fatigue, upset children Obesity/malnutrition Occupants wearing lots of clothes indoors Stay in bed more to keep warm/hot water bottle Use of supplementary heating Curtains closed during day time

Solutions Measures Behaviour change Maximise income Check tariff Switch provider

Warm & Well advice line Free and impartial 0800 5003076 Open Monday-Friday 9am 5pm Tips for saving energy and staying warm Free home visit for home owners and private tenants Switching energy tariffs and suppliers Access to grants cavity wall and loft insulation, boiler replacements e.g. Health Through Warmth & CCG money Links to local installers and tradespeople

Home visits Free Survey whole house to look for any areas where the can reduce fuel use or make the home warmer Install free energy saving devices Average of 400 savings per year by following the advice given

Switching: changing energy tariffs If not switched for 1 year or more, very likely paying too much Aim to explain: payment and tariff options how to switch payment method and/or tariff further assistance available help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency

Switching: payment options Is there a cheaper way to pay? Cash/ cheque quarterly/monthly Direct Debit fixed/variable quarterly/monthly Standing Order Budget Scheme/ Cash Plan Prepayment meter Third Party Deduction Fuel Direct

Switching: tariff options Changing the tariff type: Standard variable single rate with a standing charge Time of Use (e.g. Economy 7, White Meter) Prepayment Fixed term Green There are also discounts for: Duel fuel Online

Switching If haven t switched for 1 year or more, it is highly likely that paying too much Ensure on cheapest tariff available through supplier Use an OFGEM accredited price comparison site e.g. www.energyhelpline.com/severwyeenergy Information online or by telephone Have a recent bill to hand

Warm Home Discount 140 discount off this winter of gas or electricity bill One-off discount between October and April Not offered by all energy suppliers Qualify if on 10 July 2016 all of the following applied: Name (or partner s) was on the bill Get Pension Credit May get if on a low income/means-tested benefits Check with supplier

Priorities Service Register Provided by fuel suppliers and Distribution Network Operators if: State pension age Disabled or suffering from a chronic illness Have a visual or hearing impairment Free services: Password scheme Bills available in large print and Braille as well as talking bills Meter reading service Meters moved to an accessible location for free Priority in an emergency, this could include providing alternate heating and cooking facilities in the event of disconnection Free annual gas safety check

Smart Meters Replace the traditional meters (including prepay meters) Show the amount of energy used in near real time How much is being spent in pounds and pence Send automatic meter readings directly and securely to the energy supplier

Benefits of Smart Meters An end to estimated bills bills will be accurate Help save you money with an in home digital display showing exactly how much energy is being used Switching will become easier energy companies will have access to data