Fuel Poverty and Energy Affordability

This project will build on the long-standing approach to delivering trusted, high quality in-person energy support for communities across Devon and Torbay. Through this programme, ECOE Advice will ensure that vulnerable customers continue to receive timely, practical assistance, including carbon monoxide safety guidance and early conversations that support the transition to a net zero future. Support will be delivered through the following ways:

- Home visits.

- Hub drop-ins

- Energy Advice Centres.

- Community events and specialist clinics.

Maintaining leased premises in Exeter and Paignton ensures that accessible, face-to-face support remains available in areas of greatest need. These sites enable customers who do not wish to receive home visits to seek help locally, improve response times and increase the number of households we can support efficiently.

Alongside face-to-face delivery, the project will provide tailored household support including carbon monoxide safety, Priority Services Register engagement, personalised energy efficiency advice and energy triage. Advisors will also support access to emergency provision, keep-warm resources and onward referrals, including Fire and Rescue Service visits and gas safety interventions where required.

To maximise the impact of this project, ECOE Advice will recruit four 0.4 FTE roles - a Data Lead a Well in the Home Health Energy Advisor, a People and Culture Lead, and an Income Generation Lead - alongside a 0.2 FTE Fuel Poverty Client Coordinator.

Benefits include:

- Access to trusted, in-person and community-based energy advice.

- Improved energy efficiency, reduced fuel poverty and safer, warmer homes.

- Strengthened referral pathways and faster response times.

- Better data integration enabling earlier identification of vulnerability.

- Enhanced financial resilience and improved household wellbeing.

- Improved physical and mental wellbeing.