Sky-high fuel bills continue to plague UK households, with costs significantly higher than in recent years. Making homes more energy efficient is crucial to tackling fuel poverty, reducing health risks from cold homes, and lowering carbon emissions. However, as we transition to net zero, there’s a risk that low-income and fuel poor households could miss out on opportunities to improve their finances and wellbeing.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, on behalf of the Committee on Fuel Poverty, asked the Centre for Sustainable Energy research team to dig deep into this issue.

Our research in the ‘Understanding the barriers and enablers to supporting fuel poor households achieve net zero’ report provides a detailed understanding of the relationship between net zero, improving energy efficiency and addressing fuel poverty.

Our approach

We undertook qualitative research, speaking with both energy experts and people facing high energy costs, gathering insights through conversations and group discussions.

Research focused on the barriers and enabling factors of government energy efficiency schemes.

We mapped out the retrofit journey for different tenures and identified what helps or hinders progress at each step. We looked at eight key areas, including financial challenges and information barriers.

Key findings of the research

Our research reinforced some known issues and uncovered new insights:

• It’s tricky to identify and reach those who need help most.
• Many people don’t trust information about energy or the companies involved.

But we also found solutions:

• One-stop shops provide support at all stages of the customer journey for energy improvements.
• Tailored, flexible installation options are needed particularly for those with a disability or health issues.
• Local, community-based approaches to home upgrades are particularly successful.
• Better follow-up and support after improvements are made to monitor the quality of retrofit and help people get the most from new technologies.

Making a difference

The report can be used by the Committee on Fuel Poverty and the government to prioritise and take real action. They can improve how energy efficiency schemes work and help more people in need. The energy sector as a whole can use our framework to make their policies and practices more effective.

Meanwhile, here at CSE, we’re using these insights to spark conversations and drive change, both within our organisation and beyond. It will help us continue our work to ensure that as our energy system evolves, it works better for everyone, especially those struggling with high bills.