The strategic partnership will enable FBF to expand its operations across GB and to provide a range of new services to support families and individuals at risk of self-disconnection.
The funding agreement will see FBF receive circa £3m over three years. The money will be provided from the Warm Home Fund, a £150m fund set up by National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions across England, Scotland and Wales to tackle fuel poverty.
Fuel Bank Foundation provides emergency financial support via a £49* voucher to people unable to top up their prepayment gas or electricity meter. On average, £49 will keep the lights and heating on in a home for up to two weeks.
The voucher is available for customers of all GB energy suppliers and doesn’t need to be repaid.
Since the Fuel Bank scheme was launched in 2015, around 300,000 people have received financial support, with more than £6m of emergency fuel credits awarded. Today, there are more than 140 Fuel Bank centres in operation across GB.
The partnership with FBF is the first time Affordable Warmth Solutions has funded a project that provides immediate financial crisis support for prepayment customers at risk of self-disconnection.