58,800 Somerset residents are living in fuel poverty.
This gives us 58,800 reasons to support the call from National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy UK to introduce a ‘social discount’ to better support those living in fuel poverty – as seen in this BBC News article: Energy UK says struggling households need more support with bills – BBC News
Last year we released our report, Cold Homes Tough Choices, where we shared our findings and stories from people struggling to heat their homes.
We discovered that 75% of people seeking help with fuel debt from Citizens Advice Somerset in 2024 were disabled or had long term health conditions. So having a system where individual circumstances were considered, rather than a blanket ‘one fits all’ approach, will help a lot of people in Somerset get out of fuel poverty.
Fuel poverty continues to impact many communities in Somerset, but we see the highest levels in and around Bridgwater, Highbridge and West Somerset.
Our charity supports people across the County and our Village Agents can help anyone worried about how they are going to manage this winter.
If you or anyone you know is affected by the rising costs of energy bills, please get in touch.