This policy briefing highlights the positive steps that can be taken now by the UK Government and energy regulator Ofgem to respond to the current energy crisis and support vulnerable energy customers this winter. It is hoped that this will prompt policy interventions in advance of Ofgem announcing in February the next revision to the energy price cap.

Over the last number of weeks, we have experienced a significant rise in the number of households seeking emergency support for fuel poverty. We therefore welcome the launch of DfC’s Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme.

Letter to Minister

Letter to NI MPs re the ongoing impacts of the energy crisis in Northern Ireland.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action has today warned average domestic energy bills have already soared by over £230 per customer compared to last winter.

Charities warn recent broken manifesto promise means the poorest households, living in least efficient homes are set to miss out on up to £750 a year cut to their energy bills

This year’s UKFPM identifies the opportunities associated with decarbonising heat for fuel poor households; the barriers they face in doing so; the likely risks of the decarbonisation agenda for them; and which policy developments and interventions are required to ensure that the decarbonisation of domestic heating can be fair and affordable.

Today the Office for National Statistics released their forecast of consumer price inflation. Inflation rose steeply in October to its highest rate in nearly a decade. The ONS also highlighted the key driver is increased household energy bills.

Regrettably the Chancellor chose not to provide any additional support to help with the soaring costs of energy.