Fuel Poverty Awareness Day: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is an important opportunity to shine a light on the growing issue that’s currently affecting millions of households across the UK. More and more people every year are finding themselves forced to choose between heating and eating, as rising energy prices and the wider cost of living continues to put pressure on household finances.

According to the National Energy Action (NEA), as of April 2025, around 6.1 million people in the UK are living in fuel poverty, and we’d expect that to be even higher now. This alarming figure shows just how widespread the issue has become, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, and how it just can’t be ignored anymore.

Access to warmth should never be considered a luxury, yet many households are still struggling to afford to heat their homes properly. Our message this Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is simple: don’t suffer in silence. Support is available, and there is help out there.

Wednesday 18 November 2026  will be National Energy Action’s next Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (FPAD).

What Is Fuel Poverty?

There are many different definitions of fuel poverty, but simply put, it means a household cannot afford to keep their home warm at a reasonable cost. Low household income, rising energy prices, and poor energy efficiency within the home all contribute to fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is not just an energy issue as it goes on to affect physical health, mental wellbeing, financial stability, and overall quality of life.

Why Fuel Poverty Awareness Matters

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day helps raise awareness of the challenges many households face and encourages people to seek support before things become totally unmanageable. It is also a valuable reminder to check in on our vulnerable neighbours, family members, or residents who may be struggling silently behind closed doors.

Small actions can make a big difference, whether that’s sharing information about available support, helping someone access advice, or simply encouraging them to ask for help. Long-term solutions such as improving home energy efficiency, better insulation, and support schemes are essential if we want to reduce fuel poverty across the UK.

What Causes Fuel Poverty?

The causes of fuel poverty are often complex and interconnected. Energy prices remain high, while many household incomes have not kept pace with rising living costs. At the same time, older or poorly insulated homes can be much more expensive to heat, meaning households use more energy just to stay warm. Unfortunately, this creates a cycle where those already struggling financially often face some of the highest heating costs.

Why Is Mould Linked to Fuel Poverty?

One of the most silent but deadly impacts of fuel poverty can be damp and mould.

When households cannot afford to heat their homes properly, condensation and excess moisture can build up, leading to mould growth. This is why maintaining ventilation and some level of heating during winter is so vital. Mould can be dangerous and may lead to health issues, particularly for children, older people, and those with respiratory conditions, so it’s important to deal with it as early as possible.

A few simple tips to help reduce mould include:

• Opening kitchen windows when cooking
• Using lids on pans where possible
• Avoiding drying clothes on radiators
• Using extractor fans in bathrooms
• Opening windows after showering
• Using a dehumidifier if possible

What Help Is Available?

We’ve pulled together a handy list of local and national schemes that can help. They are offering energy advice, funding, and practical support across Peterborough, South Cambridgeshire, Rutland, and Fenland.

LEAP – The Local Energy Advice Partnership

Through the LEAP scheme, we provide completely free energy support to eligible households.

LEAP is designed to help people who are either already experiencing fuel poverty or are at risk of falling into it. The service is available to homeowners, private renters, and social housing tenants.

Our Home Energy Advisors can provide:

• Free home energy visits or telephone appointments
• Energy-saving advice tailored to your home
• LED light bulbs and draught proofing
• Support checking energy tariffs and bills
• Referrals to additional support schemes
• Advice on reducing energy usage and staying warm for less

Fuel Poverty Awareness for Frontline Workers

We also offer free Fuel Poverty Awareness sessions for frontline workers across Peterborough, South Cambs, and Rutland. We designed these sessions for professionals who regularly support vulnerable residents, including GP surgeries, social workers, housing teams, community groups, support workers, healthcare professionals, and charity and voluntary sector staff.

The sessions helps frontline workers recognise the signs of fuel poverty, understand what support is available, and confidently refer people for help through LEAP.

If your organisation would be interested in a free awareness session, please get in touch with our Home Energy Advisors via our LEAP inbox.