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Fuel Bank Foundation extends partnership with National Grid and Affordable Warmth Solutions

June 30, 2022

National fuel poverty charity Fuel Bank Foundation (FBF) has extended its partnership with National Grid and Affordable Warmth Solutions (AWS).

FBF has received an additional £1million from the Warm Homes Fund, a £150million fund to tackle fuel poverty, set up by National Grid and administered by AWS across England, Scotland and Wales.

The extra funding will enable FBF to expand its network of Fuel Banks across GB and to provide a range of new services to support families and individuals who can’t afford to top up their prepayment gas and/or electricity meter.

The partnership between Fuel Bank Foundation, National Grid and AWS officially started in June 2021 with an agreement to provide £3million over three years. It was the first time AWS had funded a project that provides immediate financial crisis support for prepayment customers at risk of self-disconnection.

Since the Fuel Bank scheme was launched in 2015, more than 550,000 people have received financial support. Today, there are more than 160 Fuel Bank centres in operation across GB.

The additional funding from the Warm Homes Fund couldn’t come at a better time. Rising fuel bills and the general increase in the cost of living means many low-income families are really struggling to make ends meet. As a result, we are seeing record numbers of people being referred to us for help as a last resort. It’s dire situation and unfortunately one that is only going to get worse with further energy price rises later in the year. We are grateful to National Grid and AWS for their ongoing support at what is a difficult time for millions of people.”

Matthew Cole, Head of Fuel Bank Foundation

The main focus of the Warm Homes Fund has been to install first time central heating and to date, almost 25,000 households have benefited from this longer-term focus on energy efficiency. Of course, there are many more households facing immediate financial hardship due to soaring energy prices and we are pleased that this additional contribution from National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund will enable the Fuel Bank Foundation to provide crisis support to those most in need.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions