Green Energy Switch on BBC Two’s ‘Politics Live’
A Spotlight on Fuel Poverty and the Warm Home Discount
In October 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to speak on BBC Two’s Politics Live about the Autumn Budget and how it could support households at risk of or in fuel poverty whilst also enhancing support for residents and businesses transitioning to green energy solutions.
Calling for Action on Fuel Poverty and Green Energy Solutions
As a leading provider of energy-saving services in the UK, we wanted to urge the government to introduce policies that:
- Support for Vulnerable Households: Doubling the Warm Home Discount to £300 and/ or introducing discounted social tariffs for disabled individuals, those entitled to certain benefits, and households experiencing fuel poverty would help alleviate financial stress. Additionally, expanding the criteria for the Warm Home Discount is essential, as many working individuals and homeowners often miss out on this support despite being in fuel poverty or facing financial hardship. This includes those who may not qualify under the current system yet still struggle to make ends meet.
- Expanded Funding for Energy Efficiency: Increasing investment in initiatives that reduce energy consumption, including subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and improved insulation schemes, would be a crucial step towards making sustainable living affordable for all and helping homes meet the EPC rating of at least C by 2030.
- Investment in Renewable Energy Solutions: Funding for renewable energy infrastructure and energy efficiency programs. Green Energy Switch’s free home energy service exemplifies how targeted interventions can reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort, and lead to long-term savings for families and individuals.
Why This Matters
“As we look ahead to the budget announcement, it’s crucial that the government addresses both the immediate challenges of rising energy costs and the long-term goal of transitioning to a sustainable energy future,” says Emma Deaton, Home Energy Manager at Green Energy Switch, “We see first-hand the struggles of families and individuals who face high bills and do not have the support needed. Our home energy service is designed to empower those households with the tools and support needed to reduce their energy usage and therefore their bills. We urge the government to implement measures that support vulnerable households while investing in green solutions that will benefit everyone.”
As a company providing free home energy visits for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, we felt a deep responsibility to represent their voices. With fuel poverty figures doubling from 3 million to 6.5 million in just four years, the urgency for action is undeniable!
Our BBC Two ‘Politics Live’ Interview
Represented by our Director, Sarah, our message to the government was clear: energy assistance must be a priority. We advocated for an increase in the Warm Homes Discount and for broader eligibility criteria to ensure more families and individuals can receive the help they so desperately need.
Watch the full interview below
Green Energy Switch on BBC Two’s Politics Live
What Did the Autumn Budget Deliver?
When the Chancellor unveiled her first autumn annual budget, their was a heavy focus on changes in tax, spending, and benefits across many sectors.
Whilst the budget didn’t deliver the level of support we had hoped for, it did reinforce the importance of organisations like ours in bridging the gap and supporting those who are struggling.
We have broken down all the energy related announcements that came from the budget in another blog, which you can read here.
A Message From Our Director
I had the chance to appear on Politics Live on BBC 2.
Sarah Buttigieg, Director, Green Energy Switch
I was invited to discuss my hopes for the upcoming budget, especially from the perspective of a company providing Home Energy visits for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
Representing their voices on such a significant platform felt like a huge responsibility.
With fuel poverty figures doubling from 3 million in 2020 to 6.5 million in 2024, my primary request was to ensure that energy assistance is made a priority, as people urgently need help right now.
We advocated for an increase in the Warm Homes Discount and an expansion of its eligibility criteria to offer immediate relief to those who need it most.
Though the budget didn’t include the level of support we had hoped for, it underscores the vital role of organisations like ours in continuing to bring relief to those who are struggling.
How Green Energy Switch Can Help
At Green Energy Switch, we’re committed to providing green energy solutions for both residents and businesses looking to save money and the environment. If you’re a resident, why not check out our free Home Energy Service, where we offer free energy advice, support with energy-saving measures, and help in reducing your bills? We also have a fully managed EPC Service, in which we provide both domestic and commercial EPCs. For businesses, we provide free Green Business Energy Switching, ensuring you get the best renewable energy deals, and we also offer fully funded EV charger installations to help you transition to a greener future.
Get in touch today to find out how we can support you!
Behind the Scenes: Check Out Our TikTok!
We also documented the whole day on TikTok, giving a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like for Green Energy Switch on BBC Two’s Politics Live! 🎥
ABOUT US
Green Energy Switch (GES) delivers a broad range of energy services across the UK; specialising in working with social landlords and local authorities. Established in 2006, GES is a subsidiary of environmental charity PECT. We gift-aid any profits to PECT to help fund their vital work. In doing so, we are the lead sponsor of their Forest project. So far over 117,000 trees have been planted, equating to a remarkable reduction of over 1,300 tonnes of carbon emission.
