Experiences of clients financially supported by CSE
June 2023

We cannot afford our energy bills. There is nothing left to cut back on. We only heat one room, with a small log burner which is only lit at dusk for a few hours even at minus 10°. We use blankets and hot water bottles to try to keep warm.

Wendy, Wiltshire

The winter of 2022-23, coming in the aftermath of the pandemic and during a cost-of-living crisis, was extremely challenging for millions of people. CSE found itself operating in a rapidly changing environment.

To address the pressing needs of struggling households, our focus was on emergency support including quick-win fuel vouchers, emergency hardship funds and referrals to foodbanks.

This report looks at the lived experiences of clients who had received emergency financial support during this period. In particular, we wanted to explore the situation affecting prepayment meter and Economy 7 customers.