Partner Article

Summit fuels energy debate for a fairer future

Fuel providers, energy experts and campaigners were brought together for a special Fair Fuel Summit in Darlington this week.

Fabrick Housing Group organised the summit at Darlington FC with the aim of encouraging energy companies to develop a strategy to support the increased number of people who will find themselves struggling to pay their energy bills this year.

The summit was attended by delegates from several organisations, including energy company E.on, ethical fuel provider Ebico, energy efficiency specialists Eaga and energy efficiency firm National Energy Action.

After hearing from two people who live in fuel poverty, the summit discussed issues such as fragmentation in availability and levels of support, as well as the need for greater education on what is available from providers.

With the winter chill approaching, the summer’s price rises from some of the biggest utility companies have impacted upon the finances of most people and, for those on the lowest incomes, the effect has been hardest felt. A recent report has stated that one in ten North East households are now classed as living in fuel poverty - the highest proportion in the country.

Fabrick’s finance director Paul Fiddaman said: “We called the Fair Fuel Summit after seeing some energy companies impose 35 per cent increases following record profit announcements. “We can see how these increases affect all of our tenants and felt it was something which deserved a frank and open debate with those parties which are in a position to do something.

“We found there is actually a lot of good practice going on within the individual organisations, including the providers. What we also learned was that there is a real need for greater cohesion and education. Critically, we have opened a dialogue which can help enable this.

“It was pleasing to note all parties in the discussion were aware of the issues and committed to tackling them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .