Free energy advice and advocacy support available through HEAT

Households across Scotland, England and Wales who are struggling with energy costs, fuel debt or the risk of an energy crisis can access free support through HEAT, The Wise Group’s Energy Advice and Advocacy service.

With energy prices continuing to place pressure on household finances, the fully funded service offers one-to-one tailored support designed to help people manage energy-related challenges and prevent issues from escalating into crisis.

The service is delivered by The Wise Group, a social enterprise with more than 40 years’ experience supporting individuals, families and communities across the UK.

Support for households facing energy pressures

HEAT provides end-to-end energy advice and advocacy support for people experiencing difficulties with energy bills, debt or maintaining their energy supply.

The service is particularly focused on supporting vulnerable households, including those who:

• Are struggling with energy costs or fuel debt
• Are on a low income or currently unemployed
• Are at risk of losing their energy supply
• Need support to stabilise their situation
• Are aged over 65
• Have disabilities or health conditions that result in higher energy use

The service may also be relevant to families experiencing poverty and financial hardship, helping them access specialist support to navigate energy-related challenges.

What support is available?

A dedicated energy mentor works directly with each household to provide personalised support based on their circumstances.

This support can include:

• Energy advice and advocacy tailored to individual needs
• Crisis support, including fuel or food vouchers for eligible households
• Help with energy debt, including direct negotiations with suppliers and support to agree manageable repayment arrangements
• Billing support to resolve incorrect, disputed or complex energy bills
• Support to prevent disconnection and maintain energy supply
• Practical energy-saving advice to reduce household energy use and lower costs
• Help accessing grants and energy schemes that may provide additional support
• Ongoing advocacy to help households move from crisis towards greater stability

Referrals are typically picked up within one working day, ensuring people can access support quickly when they need it most.

Demonstrated impact

According to The Wise Group, HEAT supported more than 23,000 households across Scotland, England and Wales during the last year.

During the same period, the service:

• Helped reduce £371,000 of fuel debt through direct negotiations with energy suppliers
• Delivered £4.7 million in energy savings for households
• Provided practical support to thousands of people experiencing energy-related difficulties

The service works with households facing a wide range of challenges, from fuel poverty and debt to billing disputes and the risk of being disconnected from their energy supply.

How to access support

Support is free, confidential and available to eligible households across Scotland, England and Wales.

People can refer themselves, or professionals can make a referral on behalf of someone they are supporting.

• Online: Complete the HEAT referral form through The Wise Group
• Freephone: 0800 092 9002
• Email: [email protected]

For households finding it difficult to keep up with energy costs, worried about fuel debt or facing an energy-related crisis, HEAT offers free specialist advice and advocacy to help them access the support available and work towards a more stable situation.