UK Power Networks announced on 20 March 2025 that it is working with four not-for-profit and social impact organisations to reduce fuel poverty for more than half a million people by 20281. The distribution network operator said the partnerships will fund the charities to deliver immediate and ongoing support, tackling fuel poverty at its roots1.
The four organisations named are the National Energy Foundation, We Are Group, Citizens Advice Essex and Citizens Advice Arun & Chichester1. UK Power Networks said partners will offer services tailored to individual needs, ranging from energy efficiency tips and support with reading a meter to confidential help with applying for benefits, changing to a new tariff, or securing funding for heating upgrades1. People will be offered both short and long-term solutions, helped to adopt more sustainable energy practices, and supported to use energy more efficiently, the company said1.
Matt White, head of customer service and innovation for UK Power Networks, said the company does not set energy bills but recognises the challenges fuel poverty presents for its customers1.
"By providing funding and working alongside these dedicated organisations, we will help empower them to offer tailored support to those most in need, helping to reduce energy costs and improve living conditions for vulnerable customers."
Dave Evans, chief executive of the National Energy Foundation, said the collaboration presents an opportunity to reach those most in need and provide support that can make a lasting difference1.
"By working together, we can combine our resources and expertise to help vulnerable individuals and households reduce their energy costs, improve their homes and gain the confidence to manage their energy needs effectively."
UK Power Networks also runs a Priority Services Register offering free extra help to vulnerable customers during power cuts1. The company said customers can register online, call 0800 169 9970, or email psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk for more information1. The funding amounts, the duration of individual partnerships and the specific eligibility criteria for the support have not been reported1.
Why it matters for households
Fuel poverty support delivered through a distribution network operator reaches households that may not otherwise come into contact with grants and schemes or advice services. The support described covers practical ground: understanding a meter, switching tariff, claiming benefits and finding funding for heating upgrades1. For a household, those are the levers that affect what energy costs and how much control a home has over its own supply and consumption.
The Priority Services Register is separate from the fuel poverty partnerships and applies during power cuts, offering free extra help to vulnerable customers1. Households that depend on electricity for medical equipment or heating fall into the group the register is designed for, and the support described sits alongside the wider needs of vulnerable and medically dependent households1.
The target of more than half a million people by 2028 is a stated aim rather than a measured outcome, and no baseline or reporting method has been published1.
What happens next
The partnerships are in place as of 20 March 2025, with the stated aim of reaching more than half a million people by 20281. No interim milestones, funding figures or start dates for individual services have been reported1.
Sources1 cited
- New partnerships to help half a million people | UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk