Today we've launched a £500,000 community grant programme to help tackle fuel poverty with communities most in need.
We've partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to run the scheme through this winter and beyond.
The Safe and Warm Community Scheme is targeted at local charities and support groups who are working to help those who are most affected by the cost of living crisis.
The fund aims to reach over 5,000 customers who need help to maintain a safe and warm home. CSE is a national charity supporting people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes.
The fund will be used by the local charities and groups in the target communities. Families and individuals who are eligible will receive access to energy efficiency advice and schemes such as the Warm Home Discount. They will be helped with signing up to the Priority Services Register, benefit eligibility checks, debt advice and access to other crisis support, including food, clothing and housing.
Kerry Potter, our Group Social Impact and Vulnerability Manager, said: “We believe everyone deserves to stay safe and warm all year round, particularly during the colder months, and we understand that getting help to those who need it most is only possible through impactful and local partnerships.
“This winter is going to be desperately challenging for many people, which is why we’re delighted to be working with a highly regarded and trusted organisation such as the CSE to make a difference to our communities across Scotland and the south of England.
“All of us at SGN recognise the strain people are under right now, which is why this support is more vital than ever to help households and families in need.”
Bridget Newbery from CSE said: “We know local organisations are often best placed to provide support in their communities because they understand local needs. This year, more households than ever are finding it hard to keep warm and keep on top of their energy bills but they may not know where to get help. That’s why we’re keen to encourage smaller organisations who are embedded in their local communities to apply for this funding.”
Each charity or support group who is approved for funding will receive a resources pack (aimed at supporting project staff and volunteers in their work with vulnerable customers), help with getting customers onto the Priority Services Register, and the opportunity to join network meetings and collaborate with other organisations. They’ll also be armed with the skills to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), and discuss the importance of having a CO alarm in the home, within their local community.
We've already pledged to help 250,000 vulnerable customers between 2021 and 2026, thanks to the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) which has been made available by the energy industry regulator Ofgem.
In addition, we're also about to launch mobile Safe and Warm Community Hub vans to provide energy and financial support services to customers where it is undertaking mains replacement work.
For more information on the Safe and Warm Community Scheme application process, click here.