The three gas distribution networks SGN, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities have joined with the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to deliver the next phase of the Safe & Warm Grassroots Community Scheme, a £1.15 million programme announced on 21 October 20261. It runs until March 2028 and is intended to extend support to people most at risk of fuel poverty, financial hardship and energy vulnerability1.
Up to 60 organisations will form a network across the participating network areas, which the networks say significantly increases the reach of community-based energy support1. The scheme gives local grassroots organisations the skills, knowledge and resources to provide energy advice and support in their communities, working through groups that already have trusted relationships with residents1. A new feature is 12 mentor organisations, established community groups that delivered particularly strong outcomes in the previous phase and will now guide newer groups, share best practice and create peer learning opportunities1. Many of the new organisations have little or no previous experience of delivering energy advice1.
The programme builds on work between CSE and SGN that began in 2022; Northern Gas Networks joined in July 2024, and Wales & West Utilities joined this year, creating a cross-network partnership1. SGN dates its announcement to 21 October 2026 and Northern Gas Networks to 22 October 20261. The networks describe the reach as thousands of vulnerable households across England, Scotland and Wales1; Energy Live News describes it as thousands across the UK3.
"The success of the programme to date has demonstrated the power of grassroots organisations to reach and support people who might otherwise miss out on vital help."
Margaret Hamilton, Community Partnership Manager at SGN, said the scheme is investing in trusted local networks that can make the biggest difference1. Laura Ratcliffe, Head of Social Strategy at Northern Gas Networks, said the extension means more older people can stay safe, warm and well2.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding | £1.15 million1 |
| Partners | SGN, Northern Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, CSE1 |
| End date | March 20281 |
| Organisations in network | Up to 601 |
| Mentor organisations | 121 |
Why it matters for households
The scheme does not pay for heating systems, insulation or solar. It funds advice delivered by local groups, so a household's route to help runs through a community organisation rather than a call centre, which the networks say suits people less likely to use traditional support channels1. For a home weighing up community energy projects against its own measures, this is a source of local advice rather than capital funding; the separate landscape of funding for community energy projects is where grants sit. Households in Wales come under a network that has only joined this year1, and the community energy in Wales picture differs from England's. The scheme sits alongside the networks' other vulnerability work, covered in gas network schemes.
What happens next
The next phase runs until March 20281. The networks have not reported which organisations have been selected, where they are based, or how households will be referred to them.
Sources3 sources
- Vulnerable households to receive support from gas networks through community programme | SGN Your gas. Our network., sgn.co.uk
- Safe and Warm Grassroots Community Scheme expands to support more households | Northern Gas Networks, northerngasnetworks.co.uk
- Community scheme expands fight against fuel poverty - Energy Live News, energylivenews.com