Energy Systems Catapult welcomes the opportunity to respond to this Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Consultation on the review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy.

Key messages from our response:

• The fuel poverty target should be reframed and broadened to measure progress towards the outcomes and impacts that are needed to achieve a fair and inclusive energy system.
• Support should be better targeted towards those who are most at risk from the effects of fuel poverty, including those with long-term health conditions which are exacerbated by living in a cold home. The Catapult’s experience of developing the Warm Home Prescription programme has generated insights into how current policy could be improved to better serve this group.
• Low income and vulnerable consumers should be central to the design of the future energy system, including when considering the transition to Net Zero and the increasing use of smart and flexible technologies.
• Strong local partnerships play an important role in delivering effective fuel poverty programmes, both through referral routes and delivery. Fuel poverty policy should encourage the development of these partnerships and data sharing between stakeholders.
• There is potential to make greater use of Local Area Energy Planning processes to build understanding of the challenges faced by low income communities in adopting energy efficiency and clean energy measures, and to help identify suitable options and investments to support improvements
• More evidence is needed on the impact of fuel poverty on different groups and the effectiveness of interventions to address it. The Catapult is working to address these evidence gaps.