Shedding Light on Fuel Poverty: A Personal Journey and Call to Action on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Greetings to all, and a special acknowledgment on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2023. For those I haven't met, my name is David Walker. As a co-founder and director of Litegreen and the Litegreen Foundation CIC, two companies committed to supporting households with energy-related issues, I'm thrilled to take a moment away from our day-to-day operations to shed light on a critical issue affecting many in our communities: fuel poverty.

What is Fuel Poverty?

Fuel poverty is not just about struggling to pay energy bills; it's a multifaceted challenge that impacts people's well-being and quality of life. A household is considered in fuel poverty when it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on energy to maintain an adequate level of warmth. Sadly, this issue can often have huge negative impacts on all areas of a persons life, it can be hidden by stigma and sometimes a lack of understanding.

My Experiences Supporting People in Their Homes:

Energy has been my industry for nearly 15 years. As a qualified DEA, commercial energy assessor, PAS2025 retrofit assessor, Green Deal advisor, Green Dorctor and sustainability specialist for the Welsh government, I've had the privilege of stepping into countless homes and witnessing firsthand the struggles individuals face through no fault of their own. From young families to the elderly and everyone in-between, the stories are diverse, hard-hitting and often inspiring, but the underlying theme remains the same—balancing the need for warmth with the increasing costs of energy and living.

People with health or wealth inequalities often suffer the most. It's crucial to support them without fearing social judgment. Unfortunately, i've seen to many times this fear leading to self-stigmatisation, stopping people from seeking help because they don't feel worthy or embarrassed.

Tackling the Stigma:

Fuel poverty carries an undeserved stigma. Many associate it with financial mismanagement, the 'poor' or just those supported by benefits, but the reality is often far more complex. Unexpected challenges, shifts in employment, health fluctuations, and the increasing cost of living can put anyone in a tough spot. The ongoing impact of the cost of living and the energy crisis is hitting us all. Just like how lockdown changed how we see mental health because we all felt some level of stress, these current struggles are reshaping how we understand fuel poverty and in the industry we've even seen terms like 'the working poor' being used. One thing is certain, Fuel poverty can affect anyone and any time, and it's our collective responsibility to support those in need.

Linking to the Cost of Living and Energy Crisis:

The cost of living is an ever-present concern, and the energy crisis only exacerbates the challenges faced by households. As Litegreen, we understand the dance between affordability, sustainability, comfort and even pleasure. Our goal is to provide not only energy surveys and assessments for the housing industry but also local, impartial and social solutions that empower individuals to make informed choices about their energy usage and potential changes to their home from things like Governments energy efficiency upgrade grants, such as ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme. 

A Call to Action:

On this Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, let's commit to being part of the solution. Whether you're a homeowner, a policymaker, or a concerned member of the community, there's a role for each of us to play. Advocate for policies that address the root causes of fuel poverty like older colder homes, support organisations working on the front lines like Litegreen, Citizens Advice, Warm Wales, Care and Repair, National Energy Action and above all, let's create a community where no one has to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table

How You Can Help:

1. Spread Awareness: Share information about energy support and fuel poverty with friends, family, and colleagues. Education is a powerful tool in breaking down stigmas and fostering understanding.
2. Support Local Organisations: Wrexham and North Wales have dedicated organisations working tirelessly to help people and combat the energy and cost of living crisis. Consider volunteering your time or donating to these initiatives.
3. Advocate for Change: Engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that address the root causes of fuel poverty. A collective voice can drive meaningful change.

How can Litegreen help?

If you need help with your energy bills, don't hesitate to reach out. If we can't assist directly, we'll gladly connect you with the best local support organisations. For free, local, and unbiased advice on accessing energy efficiency grants for your home, potentially funding measures such as solar, heating upgrades and insulation measures, contact us through the various ways listed in our footer or comlete the form below. If you prefer face-to-face meeting, you can schedule an appointment to visit us at our offices in Wrexham City Centre.

Additionally, we want to emphasise that we have nothing to sell, and any profits generated though these grants goes back into our Litegreen Foundation CIC, which is then donated back into the community to tackle fuel poverty head on. We are always looking for local parters to work with, so if this is you, reach out too!

Thanks for taking the time to read, stay warm and well.

David.