National Grid targets fuel poverty with Warm Homes Fund

National Grid to tackle fuel poverty across the UK with new £150m Warm Homes Fund

Over 9,000, ranging from island cottages on Orkney to terraced houses in London, will benefit from the first payments of the National Grid Warm Homes Fund.

The £150 million fund, which is supported by Affordable Warmth Solutions, was set up using part of the proceeds from the sale of the company’s majority stake in its gas distribution business.

A total £33 million is now being awarded to 35 local authorities and social landlords representing partnerships across England, Scotland and Wales.

Fuel Poverty

John Pettigrew, Chief Executive of National Grid said: “The aim of our new fund is threefold; to help to reduce bills, make fuel poor households warmer, and improve the health of people suffering the most severe levels of fuel poverty.

“Around 4.5 million households across the country are in fuel poverty with people not able to heat their homes enough to stay warm and healthy.

Many are struggling on low incomes and are relying on heating systems that are expensive to run or don’t heat their homes properly. In many cases, because of their circumstances or the type of property they live in, they can’t apply for existing grant schemes.”

“National Grid has decided to make this significant voluntary contribution of £150m to establish the Warm Homes Fund in recognition of the challenges that people face living in cold, damp and energy inefficient homes.”

The £150m will be awarded through three rounds of funding. Bids are now being invited from for the second round of funding from local authorities and registered social landlords. Details can be found on the website below: www.affordablewarmthsolutions.org.uk

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions said: “We are excited about this investment from National Grid and we’re indebted for the support of our communications partner, National Energy Action (NEA) in reaching our target audiences.”

“Solving the issues associated with Fuel Poverty continues to challenge many of our stakeholders and the feedback we’ve already received provides evidence of how the Warm Homes Fund will make a positive difference to thousands of homes throughout the country.”