Fuel poverty has been described as ‘a pervasive and persistent issue’ leaving millions of British households without the right to live in a warm home.
Marking Fuel Poverty Awareness Day last week, The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) called for government to extend and reform their approach to tackling fuel poverty.
Isaac Occhipinti, EUA head of external affairs, said: “More funding than ever is now required to lift households out of fuel poverty and cold, damp homes. We have long been calling for better targeted funding for those who are most at risk from fuel poverty.
“Our first report on Fuel Poverty; ‘Fuel Poverty- A Connected Solution’ launched in 2017 found that by simply refocusing current government schemes to deliver first-time gas central heating systems in communities close to the gas grid, nearly 140,000 households could benefit from bill savings of at least £992 a year, a transformative amount for those stuck in the vicious cycle of fuel poverty.
“It’s time for government to listen to the facts and advice, and for the industry to get on with helping those hundreds of thousands of families who today juggle between heating and eating. We support Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and encourage others in our industry to get on board and give their thoughts to the Government.”