A 47-year-old from Carlisle who found himself deciding between buying food and keeping his home warm has alleviated his financial strain due to a new pilot fuel poverty scheme. 

"I’m in severe debt to my gas and electric providers, I got to the point where I had to decide whether to buy food or use some energy," James* said. 

"On the days where I’d have no gas, I’d end up just staying in bed all day to keep warm and I wouldn’t be able to cook as the electric would be off." 

Due to these ongoing financial difficulties, Cumberland Council provided James* with information on how to refer himself to the Warm Homes Network, a pilot fuel poverty scheme trialed in Cumbria. 

The Warm Homes Network, which was launched ahead of winter 2023 by Cadent, the UK's largest gas distribution network, has, up to now, saved households an average of £8,950 (when beneficiaries received all the types of support provided by the scheme). 

"The support from the Warm Homes Network has pushed me to get better at controlling my finances and made me make informed changes for the future, so I don’t get back into that position," he said. 

Despite the energy price cap drop by Ofgem, 6.5 million UK households live in fuel poverty, a significant 31 per cent rise since October 2021.

The Warm Homes Network helped around 200 customers during its first phase.

The support spans from grants and application guidance to advice on money management, debt and energy efficiency.

It was first implemented in Cumbria and Birmingham, both bearing the highest rates of fuel poverty in the UK.

By the end of March 2024, the benefits are predicted to exceed £1m.

 To find out more about Warm Homes Network, please visit Warm Homes Network 

James* name has been changed to protect his anonymity.