| answer text |
<p>Improving energy efficiency is the best long-term solution to tackle fuel poverty.
The Energy Company Obligation, worth £640m per year, is focused on low-income and
vulnerable households and the Green Homes Grant, launched in September 2020, is a
£2 billion programme which will help improve the energy efficiency of homes in England.
Of this, £1 billion is specifically for low income, vulnerable and fuel poor households.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition to the available funding to support low-income households with
improving the energy efficiency of their homes, we recognise that some households
may need more immediate support and so also assist with energy bills for low income
and vulnerable consumers through the Warm Homes Discount, Winter Fuel Payments and
Cold Weather Payments.</p><p> </p><p>We have also successfully negotiated an agreement
with energy suppliers to support customers impacted by COVID-19. Based on the circumstances,
this could include reassessing, reducing, or pausing debt repayments for households
in financial distress and support for prepayment meter customers to stay on supply.</p>
|
|
