EDF has pledged £29million to assist the UK’s most vulnerable with their energy bills this winter, raising its funding for the third consecutive year in a row.
The energy supplier is offering additional support to those struggling with debt following the new Labour Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.
As of this year, pensioners will now need to be in receipt of means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), such as Pension Credit.
It is estimated that 10 million older Britons will lose access to up to £300 in energy bill support which is pushing energy firms to step up.
Notably, EDF has announced the return of its debt-matching scheme which cleared £1.1million in debt last year for those who used it.
Out of the customers supported with the scheme up to September 2023, 75 per cent remained debt-free after a year.
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It should be noted that this extra funding is separate to the £150 Warm Home Discount payments, which over 380,000 EDF customers are eligible for.
As well as this, the supplier is working with Citizens Advice Plymouth, Income Max and Charis Grants to offer a range of support to customers facing financial difficulty.
In 2023, EDF partnerships helped 65,000 customers with support including debt advice, Income maximisation, energy efficiency advice, debt clearance and financial assistance payments.
Furthermore, the firm’s Warm Winter shop helped 1,000 customers with electric goods such as kettles, air fryers and slow cookers.
On top of this support for customers, EDF’s “Energy Doctors” initiative is set to target fuel-poor areas with thermal cameras.
These devices will determine which homes with EPC ratings of D or under.
“Energy doctors” will visit the supplier’s most vulnerable consumers in areas considered fuel-poor in North London.
They will provide assistance and identify opportunities to people in improving their energy, including carrying out free EPC checks and helping with Warm Home Discount applications.
The energy supplier is offering customers support
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Philippe Commaret, the managing director of Customers at EDF, outlined why accessing this assistance is vital following recent changes introduced by the country’s energy regulator.
He explained: “Whilst the Ofgem price cap has reduced in three of the last four quarters, an October rise of 10 per cent will have a significant impact on those who are already struggling.
“We are doing all we can to reduce bills, however, to make a real long-term difference, we believe a social tariff is still needed.
“Only through meaningful Government and industry-wide intervention, paired with better data matching, such as a single cross-sector Priority Services Register, will affordability improve for those most in need.”
