National Energy Action (NEA)
Empowering refugees to understand the UK’s energy system and save money
Our project at a glance
- Participating GDNs: Northern Gas Networks and SGN
- Priority need group: Excluded groups
- Strategic priority area: Supporting priority vulnerability groups
- Support target: 420 households over five years
- Duration: April 2021 to March 2026
- Investment: £89,119
- Forecast SROI: £1.60
It was three weeks of information that I could never have imagined exist. It was very exciting as I now know where to go to or what to do should I have issues with my energy supply. Thank you.
Empowered by Energy participant
Why we’re working together
For people coming to Britain as asylum seekers or refugees, life is exceptionally challenging. Across the UK, refugees are disproportionately represented in unemployment statistics and they live in much of the poorest housing stock. These two factors alone result in a high risk of fuel poverty.
In addition, many asylum seeker and refugee communities face specific language difficulties and cultural factors which make them less likely to engage with energy efficiency advice and assistance.
By partnering with National Energy Action to engage third-party organisations such as Tamil Women’s Group, Migrant Help UK and the Scottish Refugee Council, we’re able to provide practical support to asylum seeker and refugee communities nationwide.
Following the success of our initial two-year programme across our Southern network area, we’ve expanded this project into a joint-GDN initiative with Northern Gas Networks until March 2026.
Through face-to-face and online workshops, we’re building a self-sustaining support network to embed useful life skills and make asylum and refugee communities more resilient.
Project objectives
- Supporting asylum and refugee communities to achieve safe and warm homes by building energy skills and resilience
- Raising awareness of the Priority Services Register and supporting eligible households to join
Educating communities on carbon monoxide safety to reduce CO harm - Identifying engaged members of the community to become energy champions, sharing knowledge with their friends and peers
How we’re working together
Interactive energy advice workshops
We’re holding face-to-face and online energy efficiency workshops for small groups of refugees and asylum seekers. Each group attends three sessions, supported by translators if required. Tailored to the group’s specific needs, the sessions cover topics such as how to prevent condensation and damp, carbon monoxide awareness and understanding energy bills.
How to get involved
Becoming an Empowered by Energy partner
Our VCMA network partners can refer asylum seeker or refugee community groups to National Energy Action to join the Empowered by Energy programme. You can request a workshop on the National Energy Action website.
Through Empowered by Energy, we have made a difference to people who have little or no experience of the energy markets in England and Scotland. They have gained knowledge which they are eager to share with their friends, families and the broader community. Without our support, they were unaware of how to help themselves and how to reach out for support.