Cadent's pilot of the Warm Homes Network began in Birmingham in August 2023, according to Northern Gas Networks, which is running a parallel pilot in Cumbria from November1. The stated aim is a national roll out in 20241.
The initiative brings together utilities, charities, local government and technology companies to join up support for households struggling with the cost of living crisis1. It is funded through a combined pot of regulated money, the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA), and non-regulated philanthropic funding1. The network expects to save households an average of £3,000 each, and estimates that through the Birmingham pilot alone consumers will see benefits of more than £580k combined1.
Under the model, customers are referred from local authorities and local organisations into a single point of contact that acts as a triage service, assessing need before passing customers to organisations delivering specialised services1. That contact also acts as a case worker, following customers from initial assessment through referrals and gathering feedback once services are delivered1. Delivery partners cover a personalised range of services including guidance on energy efficiency and low carbon technology measures advice and installation, benefit entitlement and debt advice1.
"We are looking to combine funding pots, best practice and delivery mechanisms to develop a 'one-stop-shop' that delivers a complete range of support for customers experiencing financial vulnerability."
The Cumbria pilot will support up to 100 customers living in the most vulnerable situations1. Strategic partners for that pilot include Northern Gas Networks, Cadent Gas and Sia Partners1. Delivery partners include Cumberland Council, RABI, YES Energy Solutions, United Utilities, Cold to Cosy Homes (CAfS), Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden, and Pennysmart CIC1. Support partners have included Churches Together Cumbria, Cumbria CVS, ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, and Age UK Carlisle and Eden1.
| Pilot | Start | Scale stated |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham (Cadent) | August 2023 | Benefits of more than £580k combined1 |
| Cumbria (Northern Gas Networks) | November 2023 | Up to 100 customers1 |
Why it matters for households
The scheme is aimed at households in financial vulnerability, and its practical offer is advice and installation of energy efficiency and low carbon technology measures, alongside benefit entitlement and debt advice1. For a home trying to reduce its reliance on bought-in energy, that combination matters: fabric and technology measures change how much energy a property needs, while benefit and debt advice changes what the household can afford to pay for it. The network's own estimate of average household savings is £3,000 each1, though the source does not set out how that figure is calculated or over what period.
The referral route is through local authorities and local organisations rather than direct application, with a single point of contact assessing need first1. The source does not state how Birmingham households are referred, how many the Birmingham pilot will support, or which organisations deliver services there; those details have not been reported1. The grants and schemes hub covers the wider landscape of household energy support.
What happens next
Work will initially focus on ensuring households across Cumbria and Birmingham can access the full range of support offered through the pilots in autumn and winter 20231. Longer term, the two pilots are intended to provide learning that will help the network expand its support to more communities in 20241. Organisations wanting details of delivery and funding opportunities are directed to the VCMA team and named contacts1.
Sources1 cited
- Warm Home Networks | Northern Gas Networks, northerngasnetworks.co.uk