National Grid announces £2.3 million funding package to support vulnerable households struggling with energy costs across England and Wales

Through this round of funding, National Grid will continue to work with a group of expert charities and frontline delivery organisations who provide direct support to households most affected by rising energy costs. The partnership will help deliver practical assistance, advice, and relief to more than 16,000 homes where and when it’s needed most. Charities and organisations benefitting from this £2.3 million funding include: 

• Citizens Advice: Funding will help the charity support over 3,000 households with tailored energy advice, helping people manage their bills, find ways to save energy and money, and make their homes more energy efficient.
• Affordable Warmth Solutions: Funding free home low-carbon heating systems and energy efficiency measures to households that do not qualify for government programmes.
• Fuel Bank Foundation: Supporting emergency financial assistance for households with prepayment meters restoring heat, light and power to homes, while also offering practical help and advice to prevent households from falling into fuel crisis in the future.
• National Energy Action: Continued support will help ensure that communities have access to warmth and energy advice.
• National Energy Foundation: Funding will assist in improving energy efficiency in homes and providing guidance on reducing energy bills.
• Centre for Sustainable Energy: Will deliver personalised Smart Energy Action Plans and expand its national advice service, enabling thousands of vulnerable households to understand and benefit from technologies like heat pumps, solar PV, and smart tariffs, while building long-term capacity through training and outreach.

Komie Jain, Global Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement at National Grid, stated:

We recognise that many families are still facing tough decisions over their energy costs, and we are committed to helping ease the financial burden. While short-term assistance is essential, our ambition goes further. We want the fund to help foster long-term solutions that can provide benefits for many years ahead.

Louise Kelly, Interim Head of Fundraising at Citizens Advice, said:

This ongoing support from National Grid will help us provide advice and information to thousands of households struggling the most to heat their homes, keep the lights on, and cook hot meals.

Matthew Cole, CEO of Fuel Bank Foundation, said:

We are extremely grateful for National Grid’s continued support through its Grid for Good Energy Affordability Fund. Since 2021, this partnership has been vital in helping us deliver essential services and support to around 10,500 people across England and Wales, serving some of the most vulnerable people in local communities. It allows us to provide immediate relief through same-day emergency fuel vouchers, restoring heat, light and power to homes, while offering practical help and advice to prevent them falling into fuel crisis in the future.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director, Affordable Warmth Solutions, stated:

We’re delighted to continue our partnership with National Grid. Together we’ve invested in millions to keep low-income homes warm and comfortable. As winter approaches, ensuring vulnerable households, with health conditions worsened by the cold, have affordable, reliable heating is a top priority for Affordable Warmth Solutions. This partnership allows us to continue our programme of installing Air Source Heat pumps, and other innovative low-energy demand solutions that provides efficient and affordable warmth while easing pressure on the electricity grid.

Dave Evans, Chief Executive of National Energy Foundation, said:

We’re absolutely delighted to be working again with National Grid's Grid for Good program. Through their generous donation, we’re able to provide much needed support to more vulnerable households. This partnership allows us to continue to provide both emergency support to fuel poor households and longer-term advice and case management to help people to live in warmer and healthier homes.

Janine Michael, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy, Stated:

Thanks to this funding from National Grid, the Centre for Sustainable Energy will be able to expand and enhance our support for fuel poor and vulnerable households across England and Wales. We'll be able to reach thousands of people who we otherwise would not have been able to help, providing advice and support that enables them to participate and financially benefit from a smarter, greener energy system and reducing the risk they fall back into fuel poverty.

National Energy Action Deputy Chief Executive, Danni Barnes, said:

This new round of funding from National Grid helps us do what we do best: providing advice to and supporting households who are in fuel poverty and struggling to afford their energy bills. Through this funding we are able to reach marginalised communities to help low-income and vulnerable households through expert advice, fuel vouchers, income maximisation, Winter Warmth Support Packs and much more.

The Grid for Good Energy Affordability Fund is a £10.5 million, 3-year programme which has already made a significant impact, with previous allocations helping tens of thousands of vulnerable households. The ongoing support from National Grid aims to build on this success, ensuring that no family has to face the cold without assistance. National Grid’s collaboration with charity partners ensures that support reaches those who need it most, with measurable outcomes and transparent reporting. For more information about the Grid for Good Energy Affordability Fund and its initiatives, please visit Grid for Good | National Grid.