With six million UK households currently in fuel poverty and energy prices still 50% higher than pre-crisis levels, financial support for energy costs is more essential than ever. Energy debt has now risen to £3.7 billion, up from £2.6 billion just a year ago, while government assistance has been scaled back. Many households are struggling to stay afloat, making it crucial for support to be accessible and easy to apply for.
Identifying households experiencing fuel poverty
Data from our 160,000 users highlights the scale of the challenge. Almost 70% of our user base is struggling with energy bills, with families (particularly single parents) among the most affected. Social renters are experiencing the most difficulty, and three-quarters of those unable to work say they are struggling with energy costs. Women are disproportionately impacted, and while the majority of those affected fall between the ages of 30 and 60, some pensioners who are now missing out on the winter fuel payment are also being hit hard.
At Lightning Reach, we’re working to bridge this gap by connecting people to vital financial assistance. One of the latest additions to our platform, the YES Energy Solutions support scheme, is already proving to be a lifeline for many. YES Energy Solutions is making a real difference by providing up to £500 towards energy costs for eligible households, as well as funding for free home insulation, energy-saving packs, and practical advice on reducing bills.
The impact of effective support
Since launching on Lightning Reach in November, nearly 1,000 applications to YES Energy Solutions have been started or submitted, with £10,000 awarded so far. The impact is clear for those most at risk of fuel poverty: 56% of those receiving support are social renters, 40% are unable to work, and 80% have no household income. With 95% of applicants applying themselves without the help of a support worker, the process is not only providing immediate relief but also boosting confidence and independence. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 92% of applicants highly satisfied with the process. By making financial support easier to access, we can ensure that help reaches those who need it most.
Lightning Reach Director of Partnerships, Dave Farquharson, commented: "Partnerships like the one we have with YES Energy Solutions are essential in tackling fuel poverty at scale. By combining their vital financial support with Lightning Reach’s streamlined platform, we’re ensuring that assistance reaches the households that need it most - quickly and efficiently. The data speaks for itself: thousands of people are accessing support independently, reducing pressure on frontline services while improving financial resilience for individuals. This is the kind of collaboration that drives real impact, and we’re keen to work with more organisations looking to make their support more accessible and effective."
“A lot of people don’t understand how much help there is. I’ve been blown away by the amount of support I’ve had.” Read Charlotte’s experience of getting support from YES Energy Solutions here. |
At Lightning Reach, we believe in using technology to improve access to support, ensuring funds are distributed efficiently while easing the administrative burden for organisations. If you’re looking for ways to better engage people in your own scheme or help your clients access financial support, we’d love to explore how we can work together.
Join us
Want to find out more about how Lightning Reach can help your organisation? Get in touch via www.lightningreach.org/partners
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