Identify fuel poverty

Understand what fuel poverty is and identify signs that a household could be experiencing fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is when a household cannot afford to heat their home. A household might be in fuel poverty because it has:

• low income

• high energy costs

• inefficient or inadequate heating

• energy debt

• poor housing conditions like damp or mould

Fuel poverty can put people's health at risk and make existing health conditions worse. For example, respiratory conditions.

Children, older people and disabled adults are particularly vulnerable.

Signs of fuel poverty

You might be supporting someone experiencing fuel poverty if they:

• cannot afford to heat their home

• limit heating, lighting or hot water

• can only heat one room or do not heat the home at all

• use a prepayment meter that is often in emergency credit or disconnected

• report damp, mould or condensation linked to the cold

• avoid using essential appliances like an oven to save costs

• say they are choosing between heating and food

• have health issues made worse by the cold or damp

Ask questions to understand the situation

Check if the household has:

• arrears with the energy provider

• had any changes in benefits or income from work

• any occupants with health conditions

• any occupants who are disabled or pregnant

• a working and safe heating system

Check for emergencies

Identify any emergencies caused by fuel poverty and treat these as a priority. Emergency situations could include:

• no heating or hot water

• a prepayment meter that is disconnected

• medical equipment that needs power to work

• a household containing older people, children, or people with respiratory conditions

• severe cold or damp