Fuel Poverty Awareness Day - 27 November
Today is the National Energy Action's Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (FPAD).
What is fuel poverty? A household in England is defined as being in fuel poverty if it is in a property rated D or worse for energy efficiency, and its disposable income (that is, its remaining income after housing and energy costs are paid) is below the poverty line (60% of the national median income).
It is estimated that six million households in the UK are in fuel poverty, with a growing mountain of debt putting pressure on those least able to afford it.
The energy crisis has been going on for over three years, meaning household budgets have been stretched and many are struggling in cold, unsafe and unhealthy homes. Debt is at record levels with households owing £3.7 billion to their supplier. The situation is stark with people either having to get into debt or live in homes that will negatively impact their physical and mental health.
Arun District Council has a Home Energy visitor to help and advise any of our residents about local council grants for those on low incomes, which could help to fix broken boilers, for example. Also, if you want to take steps to go greener by installing solar panels or switch to a heat pump, let us know.
To discuss any of the information above, please call 01903 737755 or email energy.efficiency@arun.gov.uk