A recent research project carried out on behalf of the Debt Advisory Centre shows that approximately 4.7 million residents in Britain are often cut off from their pre-paid electricity. People in the UK are living without basic necessities, often for reasons that are beyond their control. With rising energy costs, residents using prepayment meters do not have the necessary information and access to cheaper price plans that could prevent them from falling into fuel poverty.
Research also shows that over 4 million British residents have said that they often cannot afford to top up their gas meters. This has left many without heating at least once every week! Living in the UK without heating and electricity can cause major mental and physical health problems. The stress of not being able to keep your family warm during the winter is a painful reality faced by many in the UK.
Fuel poverty in Britain does not have as widespread national recognition as it should. There is currently a fuel bank trial underway in the North East, launched by energy supplier npower . Fuel vouchers will be handed out at food banks to help those at most risk of living in fuel poverty.
However, this scheme will only provide a temporary solution to what is an everlasting issue unless more efficient measures are implemented. Poorer homes need to be provided with physical energy improvements to their households in order to help reduce energy bills. There are grants available provided by various energy trusts, and here at Energy Projects Plus our Fuel Debt Advice Service and Health Through Warmth projects helps those in financial hardship tackle fuel debt and gain access to grants. 1 in 10 people have arrears on their water, gas and electricity accounts and many cannot afford to pay these back.
The Debt Advisory Centre calls for energy suppliers to create cheaper plans for lower income households. This way homes can move away from using pre-paid electricity, save money and live without fear of being without gas and electricity. Switching to a cheaper tariff lies among our many existing campaigns to help reduce fuel poverty.
As the year unfolds, we hope to see more action taken at a national level to help tackle fuel poverty in the UK.