NEA welcomes the intentions of this call for evidence and the proposal to introduce automated DWP data-matching for evidencing eligibility. However, it is crucial that the impacts of either the proposal to introduce new data-matching evidencing routes or to remove existing evidencing routes on vulnerable households and those with protected characteristics are understood at a granular level.

National Energy Action hopes that the update to this strategy will result in alleviation of pressure on the most vulnerable consumers. To do this, the strategy will need to influence how suppliers, networks and Ofgem approach the identification and treatment of vulnerable consumers over the coming years.

National Energy Action’s Impact Report 2023-24 highlights the work we’ve done and the challenges we’ve faced over the last year as the national fuel poverty and energy efficiency charity.

The upcoming General Election provides a vital opportunity for policymakers to address the fuel poverty crisis and ensure vulnerable people are warm, safe and healthy at home. NEA NI is calling on all Northern Ireland candidates and parties to commit to 3 key actions at Westminster to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

National Energy Action (NEA) has been involved in policy work to maintain and reform the Default Tariff price cap for several years. This has included working with Ofgem to initially create the Safeguard Tariff cap for prepayment and other vulnerable customers. Subsequently, NEA helped to design the Default Tariff price cap to ensure it offers as much protection for low-income and vulnerable customers as possible.

Research conducted by Public First explored public attitudes on the impact of the price cap. More than half of surveyed households believe that the price cap is the only thing stopping energy suppliers from charging more, that it protects vulnerable and low-income households and that the price cap means that consumers are not charged unfair prices.

National Energy Action welcomes the opportunity to input into this process and calls on Ofgem to consider solutions it has the power to create, in addition to working with the UK Government to create enduring solutions to debt and affordability challenges.

Ofgem has opened a Call for Input on the subject, which will close on 13 May 2024. This briefing highlights National Energy Action’s emerging views on what Ofgem and government can do to tackle affordability and still-rising debt levels.

NEA NI response to the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd Transmission and Distribution 7th Price Control (RP7).