The One Number programme - addressing fuel poverty

Client: National Energy Action (NEA)

The One Number programme is a partnership between Cadent’s Services Beyond the Meter (SBtM) programme and National Energy Action (NEA), launched in 2016 to address fuel poverty.

Its core objective is to protect and support vulnerable individuals, particularly those whose gas supply has been disconnected due to safety concerns and who lack the means to resolve the issue.

The programme has significantly improved living conditions - reducing health risks associated with cold homes by keeping over 8,000 vulnerable households safe and warm through completing fully funded interventions to keep their primary heating and cooking appliances in use, by repairing/replacing appliances or installing new central heating systems.

The programme has generated a SROI of roughly £14.2m, supporting the economy via funding works that would have not been possible for the at risk individual to afford. Boiler measures alone have resulted in an average saving of £4000 - putting money back into the pockets of people who need it the most. Additionally, customers have been offered energy efficiency and benefit entitlement advice, giving them much needed support with fuel poverty.

The programme has eased the burden on the NHS and reduced dangerous self-reconnections that could have escalated into a major incident.