Many people on low incomes struggle to pay their fuel bills. This can lead people into debt or to living in a cold home which, particularly amongst vulnerable people, can trigger or exacerbate serious health problems such as asthma, strokes and heart attacks. Around 30,000 people in the UK die each year due to cold weather. Being cold at home can also affect mental health and social life. Many vulnerable people do not know how to protect themselves from fuel poverty.

Home visits are effective in helping households manage their energy. An energy advisor can explain how to use heating systems and controls to best effect, choose the cheapest energy tariff, start paying off any fuel debt, take free and low cost actions to improve warmth and reduce damp, and access available home insulation grants. By giving people skills to make their home heating more effective and affordable, they are less likely to turn heating off to save money and consequently become ill.