Rising energy costs have increased fuel poverty, making warm spaces essential for vulnerable communities. Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks currently support warm spaces in Yorkshire and the northeast, but demand is rising, especially in underserved rural, coastal, and suburban areas. This project aims to expand warm spaces whilst improving outreach, integrated services and boosting resilience by addressing key community needs.
The Challenge
Rising energy costs have increased fuel poverty, leaving more people struggling to heat their homes. Warm spaces have become vital, offering a safe, heated place to socialise, share resources, and access support, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks support warm spaces in Yorkshire and the northeast, but demand is rising… particularly in areas of high deprivation. However limited funding and rising costs may restrict charities’ ability to meet this growing need.
Warm spaces are often concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural, coastal, and suburban areas underserved. Additional spaces are likely needed in key locations across Yorkshire and the northeast.
Supporting these spaces could improve outreach, integrate services like job support and healthy living, and reduce stigmas associated with poverty-focused aid. Warm spaces also offer opportunities to share existing support, such as carbon monoxide awareness and energy transition programmes, enhancing community resilience.
The Innovator
Egnida Innovation is an award-winning digital consultancy, applying technology to energy industry problems with a particular focus on social issues. This project provides an opportunity to test their Open Maps tool in real-world scenarios, and to support the energy networks in developing opportunities for supporting customers in vulnerable situations.
National Energy Action (NEA) is a national charity that works across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to ensure that everyone can afford to live in a warm, dry home. NEA’s in-house research team has over 30 years’ combined experience of working on and researching fuel poverty, domestic energy issues and the impact of associated policy and practice interventions.
What’s Next?
This collaborative project with Northern Power Grid, Northern Gas Networks, National Grid Electricity Transmission and National Gas supports vulnerable customers but recognises more can be done.
Using the Open Maps tool, areas of high deprivation and cold homes will be identified using measures like benefit claims, free school meals, and EPC ratings.
Stage 1 (Winter 2024/25): Open Maps will locate existing warm spaces. Support will then focus on those helping the most vulnerable. This includes funding, sharing network projects, expertise, and additional support packages. NEA will provide training for volunteers and practical support, leading research to inform the next phase.
Stage 2 (Winter 2025/26): Gaps in warm space provision will be identified and addressed through partnerships and investment, creating a coordinated approach to supporting vulnerable communities.
The learnings from Stage 2 will help inform plans for Stage 3.