How we help people in fuel poverty

What is fuel poverty?

In the UK, more than six million households are estimated to be living in fuel poverty*. In Scotland, it’s now estimated that there are 830,000 households living in fuel poverty – that’s around 33% of households.**

Fuel poverty is a term used to refer to a situation where a household is unable to heat their home to a temperature needed to stay warm and healthy. While the exact term and definition varies across the UK, fuel poverty is affected by three key factors:

• a household’s income
• their energy costs
• their energy use – which is affected by how energy efficient their home is.

Some households are more at risk of fuel poverty than others – for example, households that use pre-payment meters, have low incomes, rent their home, or who live in remote areas. It’s a situation that gets worse in the winter months as the temperature drops and householders find themselves struggling to pay their energy bills.

How we help people at risk of fuel poverty

We will support anyone who’s concerned about their energy bills by giving free, expert and impartial advice to help them stay warm at home for less. Whatever way someone heats their home, and whether they own or rent, we will tailor our advice to help them, whatever their circumstances.

We have a network of advice centres across Scotland, with friendly advisors providing local knowledge and expert advice on topics including:

• Saving energy and keeping warm at home – we give practical advice on everyday actions to save energy and reduce costs, as well as how to make energy efficiency improvements.
• Funding options – we are the only place to get Scottish Government grants and interest-free loans to make energy efficiency improvements to keep the heat in.

Working in partnership 

We also work in partnership with organisations that help people struggling to heat their home, and with community-led projects that help people tackle climate change by reducing their carbon emissions.

Our specialist energy advisors, Energycarers, provide intensive support to households with issues relating to physical or mental health, disability, family circumstances, low income and expensive heating.

We support events, share resources, offer free training and workshops, and invite organisations to refer people that need support through our secure online portal.

An ongoing example of our successful partnership work is our collaboration with African Challenge Scotland, which began in 2017. Together, we’ve supported minority ethnic communities in Glasgow with free, impartial advice on energy use, saving money, and reducing carbon emissions. Through workshops, advice stands, and community events, this partnership helps families take control of their energy bills and build resilience in the face of rising costs.

A recent highlight was a vibrant community fun day in Springburn, where African Challenge Scotland brought together a range of third sector and public organisations to offer support and celebrate local connections. Team members from our Strathclyde and Central advice centre were on hand, providing practical guidance and friendly advice on saving energy at home, accessing funding, and referring householders for extra support.

Together, we’re helping shape a future where communities are empowered, informed, and supported to thrive – no matter their background.

Our impact

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, we gave free energy advice to around 100,000 people and generated an estimated £3.8 million lifetime saving on energy bills for low-income, potentially fuel-poor households. We also referred 8,990 people to Warmer Homes Scotland for help with improvements such as heating and insulation.***

Get help

If you’re struggling with your energy bills and need help to stay warm this winter, contact us for free advice and support. 

Our advisors can tell you about ways to make your home warmer and more affordable to heat. They can also check if you’re eligible for any benefits or funding available.

You can also contact us on behalf of someone else – but we do need their permission so we can give them the best, tailored advice for them. Find out more on our contact us webpage.

Partner with us

If you’d like to help us tackle fuel poverty, find out how to partner with us.
 

*Source: National Energy Action

**Source: The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel

***Source: Energy Saving Trust’s impact report 2024-2025