Energy Saving Trust awards £3.9m to charities

The Energy Saving Trust has dispersed £3.9 million collected from energy companies in breach of Ofgem rules to 20 charities across the UK.

Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme, which is administered by the trust, aims to support energy consumers in vulnerable situations, as well as aid the development of low-carbon products or services and help consumers to reduce their energy use and carbon emissions.

The latest group of successful charities will receive £3.9 million in grants ranging from £42,000 to more than £700,000 to deliver projects lasting up to two years.

Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will receive the biggest grant at more than £701,000 for its ‘Warm and Wise’ project which provide assistance vulnerable older energy customers. The project will support around 7,000 households with in-depth, tailored energy advice and free energy saving measures.

Cathryn Scott, director of enforcement and emerging issues at Ofgem, said: “We know that this winter is already a difficult time for many, as high global gas prices continue to affect consumers.

“We are pleased that £3.9 million from our Energy Redress Scheme will be made available to these charities that will provide help to people in vulnerable situations.

“The Energy Redress Scheme, funded by Ofgem’s enforcement and compliance activity, makes a real difference to those who most need it.”

Graham Ayling, senior project manager for the Energy Redress Scheme, said: “The latest round of grant funding has come at a crucial time, with UK households facing exceptional rises in energy costs, alongside the ongoing climate emergency.

“National and regional charities have a key role on the frontline, particularly in supporting those most at risk from high energy prices and in ensuring that the transition to zero carbon energy happens quickly, sustainably and leaves no-one behind. These funds will support more charities to do just that.”