More than 700 grassroots organisations are sharing £5 million of funding to tackle fuel poverty this winter, thanks to National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Matters fund.
The fund will support local groups across the Midlands, South West and South Wales as they run projects to fight fuel poverty over the winter.
National Grid’s distribution business has awarded a total of £10 million to volunteer groups since the fund’s launch in 2021. Of this, £8 million has been targeted at tackling fuel poverty.
One group to apply successfully for funding is Aberporth Village Hall in Dyfed, South Wales, which has been awarded £10,000 towards the cost of solar panels and a new heating system for its community hub and warm space.
It was one of several groups to receive funding towards low carbon technologies which support a net zero energy future – a priority for National Grid.
Age UK Lindsey also benefits. It will use its £10,000 grant to provide warm packs and energy advice to help older people in Lincolnshire to reduce their energy bills.
The charity’s representative Andrew Storer said: “The grant from the Community Matters Fund will make such a huge difference to the older people we want to help this winter. Many older people will face the choice between paying their bills or putting food on their table during the winter months and because of the funding we have received, for the Age UK Lindsey Safe and Warm Homes Project, we will be able to provide direct help at a time when it is needed most.”
Chris Hayton, Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid, said: “We know that many people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter. At a time when addressing fuel poverty has never been more critical, our Community Matters Fund will support local groups to deliver help where it’s most needed. We’re looking forward to working with community groups to create positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”
