What is fuel poverty?
Fuel poverty is when a household is unable to afford to heat their home to an adequate temperature. This is influenced by three factors; low-incomes, high energy costs, and energy inefficient housing.
A shocking 4.5 million UK households are in fuel poverty and living in cold, damp and unsafe homes. The effects of such can be detrimental to people’s health, quality of life and wider communities.
Some tips to help you reduce fuel poverty
- Switch your energy supplier to get the best deal. If you have been with the same energy suppliers for a long time, you could be losing money every year by not being on the correct tariff.
- Read your meter's and check your bills and know exactly how much you have to budget for each month. Reading the meter is the only way to make sure you're paying for what you actually use. Most energy providers have useful guides on their website telling you how to read your meter if you're not sure.
- Find out what help is available to you. If you're struggling to pay your bills speak to your energy provider in the first instance. They may be able to switch you to a more affordable plan.
Tips to be more energy efficient
- Insulate and draught proof your home – it will make your home warmer and help to reduce your energy bills
- Set your heating thermostat to 18 °C
- Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat inside your rooms
- Make sure that that your radiators are not obstructed by furniture this will prevent the room getting up to temperature meaning you will burn more fuel
- Use energy saving light bulbs such as LED's where possible and remember to turn the light off when you leave the room
- Have your heating and cooking appliances serviced regularly
- Switch off any non-essential appliances when they're not in use
If you require any further advice or assistance then you can contact the Council's Energy Officer directly on 0151 443 5817
The day is coordinated by End Fuel Poverty Coalition (EFPC) member, National Energy Action (NEA) and concludes the Warm and Safe Homes Campaign.
