Duncan McCombie, Group Chief Executive Officer at YES Energy Solutions, discusses the fuel poverty challenges many people face during the winter months and the steps his organisation is taking to support them
The festive season should be a time full of holiday cheer, but for many it will bring heightened financial pressures. The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s recent report warned that the UK stands on the precipice of a winter warmth crisis, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those living in cold, damp homes.
Last winter, the toll was grim, with nearly 5,000 lives lost – a 50% increase from the previous year. This year, with escalating energy debts, high prices, and limited government support, the situation is expected to be even more dire.
The urgency of the situation is clear – we are seeing unprecedented demands for our services, having dealt with a year’s worth of enquiries in just the last six months. Those record calls are coming from people struggling to cope with increasing bills and not knowing how to manage or where to turn. This is an issue no one should have to face.
YES Energy Solutions has seen first-hand the struggles our communities endure. For more than 20 years, through the trials of financial fluctuations, the COVID-19 crisis, and the energy crunch, we have been here on the frontline working in our communities, helping families and individuals to make homes more efficient and sustainable, and bills more affordable. Working hand-in-hand with our funding and installation partners, we bring to life the shared vision of creating warmer, energy-efficient homes for communities in need.
Crucially, as a Community Interest Company, our focus is squarely on the wellbeing of our communities rather than profits: our work is funded through Government and Local Authority grants, as well as energy companies’ obligatory schemes.
Ending fuel poverty: Launching our initiative
We know fuel poverty isn’t an isolated situation; it’s woven into the fabric of household budgets and wellbeing. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition aligns with our belief that ending fuel poverty means addressing poverty as a whole.
Our YES Warmer Homes Initiative is testament to this idea, helping people take control and stay in control – supporting them to make small adjustments that helps them live comfortably while managing their energy costs for the long term.
The YES Warmer Homes Advice Line
At the heart of our latest initiative is the YES Warmer Homes Advice Line, a support line that provides practical solutions and expert advice to help people stay warm this winter and beyond. Right now, we’re helping more than 500 households each month through this service, and it’s completely free to access.
Callers will receive tailored advice and support that will make a real impact on their bills. Beyond this, we also provide information about available funding options for people who are struggling, including guiding them to secure all the benefits they might be entitled to. We investigate what funding they may be eligible for – from loft insulation to a new boiler – and offer practical tips for easy changes or home improvements.
And our commitment doesn’t end there. We’re distributing free winter warm packs, including essential items and gadgets, offering immediate relief during colder months.
Working with funding partners and employers
Our funding partners are the backbone of this initiative. Our services are designed to put the customer first and to keep things simple – offering a one-stop service to guide them through the landscape of support available. Through the YES Warmer Homes Advice Line, we can establish a connection between people seeking assistance and the funding opportunities offered by our partners – so that funds can be directed to those who need it most.
Our skilled team, with our network of accredited installers, then plan, manage, and deliver energy-impactful efficiency projects. We consistently achieve results that benefit both individuals and communities.
The YES Warmer Homes Advice Line also presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to promote energy efficiency among their employees as an impactful employee benefit and for large employers aiming to meet their ESG targets and wider CSR goals. If required, the Advice Line can be branded for each business, complete with a dedicated hotline number, dual-branded energy-saving packs, and gadgets.
Tackling fuel poverty: Building a resilient, energy-efficient future
So, as the worst of the winter weather takes hold, we are dedicated to ensuring warm homes with affordable bills for as many people as possible. And the YES Warmer Homes Advice Line is more than a seasonal initiative; it reflects our commitment to building an energy-efficient future.
