Research and analysis

Understanding the challenges faced by fuel poor households

Report and findings of a research project exploring the energy and affordability challenges faced by fuel poor households during the winter of 2022 to 2023.

From:
Committee on Fuel Poverty
Published
24 May 2023
Last updated
1 June 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Understanding the challenges faced by fuel poor households: research report (revised version 31 May 2023)

PDF, 1.26 MB, 61 pages

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Details

Update: 31 May 2023

We have published a revised version of this report in which we have corrected a factual inaccuracy in the earlier version (page 29, second paragraph, about the Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS)).

Although most households received the EBSS by their energy supplier directly crediting their account, those on traditional prepayment meters had to be sent vouchers by their supplier with instructions as to the action they needed to take to get the credit on their meter.

This research provides a detailed understanding of the challenges faced by fuel poor households during the winter of 2022 to 2023 when making decisions around fuel consumption.

The report seeks to answer 2 key questions:

  • what challenges do fuel poor households face regarding energy bill affordability?
  • how did fuel poor households use energy in the winter of 2022 to 2023?

The research was carried out by London Economics Limited on behalf of the Committee on Fuel Poverty through a combination of:

  • rapid evidence assessment
  • workshops with industry experts and frontline energy advisors
  • online research

The report provides up to date evidence on the lived experience and links between challenges faced by fuel poor households, and is a vital addition to the evidence base available to the Committee on Fuel Poverty and the government.

Published 24 May 2023
Last updated 1 June 2023 + show all updates

  1. We have published a revised version of this report in which we have corrected a factual inaccuracy in the earlier version (page 29, second paragraph, about the Energy Bill Support Scheme).

  2. First published.