Four gas distribution networks – Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities – are to jointly provide £500,000 fund to the Fuel Bank Foundation over over two years to support households affected by the fuel crisis.
The money will be used to provide same or next day emergency financial support to people struggling to top-up their prepayment meters. Fuel Bank Foundation will also provide additional ongoing support to help manage energy costs, working together to support families out of crisis and find better energy deals.
Fuel Bank Foundation has already provided support to over 312,000 people who have been referred by local councils and food banks, the Citizens Advice Bureau and charities such as Macmillan and Scope.
Matthew Cole, from Fuel Bank Foundation, says: “We’re heading into a tough winter where millions of people are going to be forced to decide between turning on the heating or putting food on the table for their families. This new partnership with the UK’s energy networks means we can continue our vital work and support thousands more people with same day financial support as well as working with those in need to address the wider issues they are struggling with.”
Kerry Potter, Group Social Impact and Vulnerability Manager at SGN, says: “There are 3.2 million households struggling to pay at least one of their bills and using the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide allowance, gas distribution networks can make a real positive impact, making sure people have safe and warm homes during what is set to be a very challenging winter. We’re working hard to address fuel poverty today and tomorrow and we’re delighted to be partnering with the Fuel Bank Foundation to offer a pathway to help to thousands of people.”
The Fuel Ban Foundation provides ‘same day’emergency heat and light to families on prepayment plans or who prepay for their energy when their gas and electricity meters have run out of credit, the lights go out and the pilot light is extinguished.
See Fuel Bank Foundation here