Blog Post

Housing Associations appeal to Big Six Energy Suppliers to do more for vulnerable customers this Winter

Richard Simmonds • October 28, 2020

A group of more than 30 housing associations led by Home Group have launched a campaign calling on the Big Six energy suppliers to take more action to assist the most vulnerable.

Second wave of Covid-19

Concerns that the UK is experiencing a second wave of the Covid-19 virus has combined with worries over fuel poverty and the approaching winter to spur the Housing Associations to action.

The group led by Home Group has written an open letter to the Big Six suppliers and the government to raise their concerns over the potential impacts on those experiencing fuel poverty.

“Surely, it’s unacceptable that this winter around six million people in the UK will suffer because they are caught in fuel poverty. Before the potentially ‘perfect storm’ arrives – cold homes, high winter fuel bills, reduced incomes, and a virulent and unrelenting disease – we need to act.

‘This isn’t about pointing the finger at government and energy providers; it’s about working together to support those who need it most. While the help currently available for those in fuel poverty is, in part, well-intentioned, it is in large part, complex, confusing, and poorly thought through.

‘We in the sector need to work with government and energy providers to make the well-intentioned work better, to unravel the complexity and confusion, and crucially, to ensure greater ownership and accountability. Although in the very early stages, I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from colleagues across the sector, organisations working hard to alleviate fuel poverty and MPs.

'We genuinely appreciate it as it gives us increased momentum as we continue to urge government and energy suppliers to take steps to tackle fuel poverty in the short term in the face of the impact of COVID-19, as well as over the long term,” said Home Group’s chief executive Mark Henderson.


Low temperatures, higher risk

The calls for action from the housing associations come following the release of a government-commissioned report that warned that low temperatures make the human body more vulnerable to catching the virus.


With many vulnerable people living in accommodation that is often not well insulated or has poor heating systems the group of housing associations is calling for energy suppliers to act.


According to the latest government figures, six million people in the UK are currently living in fuel poverty.

With the end of the furlough scheme occurring at the end of this month that figure is forecast to rise by an extra 200,000.


Also read: Covid-19 fallout likely to see consumers needing government help to pay their energy bills this winter warns Ovo Energy chief


What are they proposing?

The open letter proposes several actions energy suppliers should take to help alleviate the challenges of Covid-19 and the winter.


They urge energy suppliers to remove standing charges from the most vulnerable households and ensure that customers known to be on the highest tariffs are moved to cheaper ones.


The letter also suggests that the most vulnerable consumers are put to the top of the list when it comes to the smart meter rollout.

Further Reading

Ofgem under pressure to deliver NetZero target but new report highlights the challenges


46% of all energy switches in September was from Large to Medium/small energy suppliers


Covid-19: Energy demand and prices rebounded in the third quarter


Dyball Associates are proud to help new supply businesses successfully launch in the UK market.

 

Through our energy market consultancy services, and the software we’ve developed, we’re supporting new UK electricity and gas suppliers get set up and start supplying.

 

For more information on how to start and manage an energy company, get in touch with Dyball Associates today.



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