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National Grid has launched the £13.8 million Grid for Good Energy Affordability Fund to combat energy poverty and provide immediate relief to vulnerable households. For three years, the initiative will distribute £3.5 million annually to UK-based charities and organisations offering direct financial assistance, energy efficiency upgrades, and crisis support. An additional £3.3 million will be allocated to similar efforts in the US.
The first £1.2 million of UK funding has already been earmarked for four key organisations, each playing a crucial role in supporting those struggling with energy costs:
Affordable Warmth Solutions – Offering free home insulation and energy efficiency measures for households without government assistance.
Fuel Bank Foundation – Providing emergency financial aid and guidance for prepayment meter users at risk of fuel crisis, preventing them from living without heat, light, or power.
National Energy Action (NEA) – Working with local communities to ensure households can access warmth and essential energy services.
National Energy Foundation (NEF) – Enhancing home energy efficiency, delivering tailored advice on reducing bills, and implementing practical solutions to create warmer homes.
This new fund builds on National Grid’s ongoing efforts to assist thousands of vulnerable families through targeted support programs. Previous collaborations with these charity partners have delivered tangible benefits:
Affordable Warmth Solutions has supported over 9,000 homes, saving households an estimated £256 per year through energy efficiency improvements.
Fuel Bank Foundation has aided 345,700 individuals, offering emergency financial assistance and energy crisis intervention.
National Energy Action has provided over £1.3 million in direct financial aid, helping 12,433 people manage their energy costs.
National Energy Foundation has expanded its Better Housing Better Health program into 10 additional counties, offering free, impartial energy advice to more than 675,000 fuel-poor households.
Komie Jain, Global Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement at National Grid, said: “Many families continue to face difficult choices when it comes to their energy bills, and we are determined to play our part in alleviating the financial strain. While immediate relief is vital, our vision extends beyond that. Our aim is for the fund to also support households with longer-term efficiency solutions, providing financial benefits for years to come."
Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said: "I'm delighted to receive this further funding from National Grid. The donation will enable AWS to reach out to those most at risk from the cold and provide them with essential warmth and comfort during periods of extreme weather. We'll be working with the other National Grid partners to ensure assistance is targeted at those at most at need.”
Matt Cole, CEO of Fuel Bank Foundation, said: “We are extremely grateful for National Grid’s continued support. This funding is essential in helping us provide vital services to the most vulnerable in society, ensuring they do not have to live without heat, light, or power when they cannot afford to top up their prepayment meters.”
Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action, said: “National Energy Action is delighted to continue our partnership with National Grid. Many communities have been impacted by the energy crisis. This support allows us to reach those who are the hardest to reach, those who have been left behind and those who require bespoke solutions.”
Dave Evans, CEO of the National Energy Foundation, said: “It’s impossible to overstate how important the support and funding we are receiving from National Grid is. Thanks to Grid for Good, we will be able to support vulnerable households in fuel poverty to live warmer, healthier lives at home.”
As millions across the UK and the US grapple with rising energy costs, the Grid for Good Energy Affordability Fund marks a critical step toward alleviating financial burdens for those in need. With a strong focus on energy efficiency, monetary relief, and crisis intervention, National Grid’s commitment to empowering households with long-term solutions continues to grow.
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