1. Severn Wye Energy Agency Warm & Well
Ruth Davey
Partnerships Coordinator

2. Severn Wye Energy Agency
Not for profit organisation
Registered educational charity
Work with schools, businesses, communities and households

3. Warm and Well Helps people to stay warm and healthy at home
Recognises links between fuel poverty, poor health and energy efficiency
Works with community, CCG and other health related organisations and local authorities
Over to you
Close your eyes
What images come to mind when you think of fuel poverty?
When you are out and about ding your work…
Condition of homes?
What can you see?
What kind of heating?
What do people look like?
Age? Older, families…
Income?
Younger people and families?
Health issues?

4. Fuel Poverty – What is it?
“The condition of being unable to afford to keep one's home adequately heated”
Old calculation: spending more than 10% of residual household income on heating, lighting and energy
New calculation: “Low Income High Costs”
This new definition states that a household is said to be in fuel poverty if:
They have required fuel costs that are above average (the national median level), and
Were they to spend that amount they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line.

5. Causes of fuel poverty Low income Energy prices Fuels available
Energy inefficient property
Under occupancy
Inefficient use of energy in the home

6. Some stats

7. Some stats
The UK has one of the highest excess winter death rates in Europe with thousands of people dying needlessly every year because of excessive cold temperatures in their home during the winter months. (NICE 2015) 
In 2013–14, there were 18,200 excess winter deaths in England and Wales. Conservative estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that around 30% of excess winter deaths can be attributed to cold indoor temperatures; this means that around 5,460 people died in 2013–14 due to cold housing in the winter months. (NICE 2015)

8. Identifying the problem
Clients unlikely to identify themselves as in fuel poverty
More likely to say:
I can’t pay my electricity/gas bill
I’m about to be disconnected
I can’t afford to heat my house
My house is cold
My house is damp
I’m always ill

9. Identifying fuel poverty
Asthma or wheezing
Home cold/ draughty/ partial heating
Damp smells
Evidence only parts of house in use
Housing in poor condition/ mould/ rot
Occupants unhappy – depression, fatigue, upset children
Obesity/malnutrition
Occupants wearing lots of clothes indoors
Stay in bed more to keep warm/hot water bottle
Use of supplementary heating
Curtains closed during day time

10. Solutions Measures Behaviour change Maximise income Check tariff
Switch provider
I think you can cover the visits information pretty well now!

11. Warm & Well advice line Free and impartial 0800 5003076
Open Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm
Tips for saving energy and staying warm
Free home visit for home owners and private tenants
Switching energy tariffs and suppliers
Access to grants – cavity wall and loft insulation, boiler replacements e.g. Health Through Warmth & CCG money
Links to local installers and tradespeople

12. Home visits
Free
Survey whole house to look for any areas where the can reduce fuel use or make the home warmer
Install free energy saving devices
Average of £400 savings per year by following the advice given

13. Switching: changing energy tariffs
If not switched for 1 year or more, very likely paying too much
Aim to explain:
payment and tariff options
how to switch payment method and/or tariff
further assistance available – help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency

14. Switching: payment options
Is there a cheaper way to pay?
Cash/ cheque – quarterly/monthly
Direct Debit – fixed/variable – quarterly/monthly
Standing Order
Budget Scheme/ Cash Plan
Prepayment meter
Third Party Deduction – Fuel Direct

15. Switching: tariff options
Changing the tariff type:
Standard variable single rate with a standing charge
Time of Use (e.g. Economy 7, White Meter)
Prepayment
Fixed term
‘Green’
There are also discounts for:
Duel fuel
Online

16. Switching
If haven’t switched for 1 year or more, it is highly likely that paying too much
Ensure on cheapest tariff available through supplier
Use an OFGEM accredited price comparison site e.g.
Information online or by telephone
Have a recent bill to hand

17. Warm Home Discount
£140 discount off this winter of gas or electricity bill
One-off discount between October and April
Not offered by all energy suppliers
Qualify if on 10 July 2016 all of the following applied:
Name (or partner’s) was on the bill
Get Pension Credit
May get if on a low income/means-tested benefits
Check with supplier

18. Priorities Service Register
Provided by fuel suppliers and Distribution Network Operators if:
State pension age
Disabled or suffering from a chronic illness
Have a visual or hearing impairment
Free services:
Password scheme
Bills available in large print and Braille as well as talking bills
Meter reading service
Meters moved to an accessible location for free
Priority in an emergency, this could include providing alternate heating and cooking facilities in the event of disconnection
Free annual gas safety check

19. Smart Meters Replace the traditional meters (including prepay meters)
Show the amount of energy used in near real time
How much is being spent in pounds and pence
Send automatic meter readings directly and securely to the energy supplier

20. Benefits of Smart Meters
An end to estimated bills – bills will be accurate
Help save you money with an in home digital display showing exactly how much energy is being used
Switching will become easier – energy companies will have access to data

21. Free advice line

22. For free presentations for staff/clients