Fuel Bank Foundation warns that households are still left exposed. When the lower price cap takes effect in April, there will be no further energy support for struggling families until next winter. Those eligible have already received the Warm Home Discount, leaving low-income households without any targeted help over the summer months.
The charity says this creates a dangerous gap, fuel poverty does not simply stop when winter ends.
Last year, Fuel Bank Foundation supported just under 60,000 households between June and the end of September 2025, with 20% of all people helped coming to the charity during the summer months.
Matthew added:
“There’s a dangerous and persistent assumption that people don’t struggle with energy costs once the weather warms up. Even in summer, energy is essential, people need it to cook meals, wash clothes, stay clean, refrigerate food and medicines, and power medical equipment. These are basic needs, not luxuries.
“Not having support available just because the weather improves leaves people exposed, and we know from our own insight and data that tens of thousands will struggle this summer and as we head into winter.”
Millions still in debt, costs still rising
“Many people are still carrying energy debt built up over years of sky-high bills and so, despite the forecast drop in April, a small reduction simply doesn’t undo that damage.”
At the same time, the charity also warned that essential future investment in our energy system, critical for reducing bills in the long term, must not be funded on the backs of those already struggling.
“We know substantial investment in our energy system is needed, and the costs have to be paid by someone, but it cannot be households who are already unable to afford their energy. People are being pushed to breaking point.”
What needs to change
“There’s a lot of uncertainty ahead that we cannot control, but where we can take a stand – on issues such as who foots the bill for investment in our energy system and the urgent need for targeted government support – we will continue to do so loudly and relentlessly.”
Fuel Bank Foundation is also calling for targeted, long-term support that reflects how people actually use energy throughout the year, not just during the coldest months. It’s campaigning for measures such as simplified prepayment, smoothing seasonal costs, pausing debt recovery during winter and reform of standing charges. It is also urging the Government to prioritise retrofitting existing homes to ensure they are high-quality and energy efficient.
