Fuel banks – what are they and how can they help?
If you have to prepay for your energy and you’re struggling during the cost-of-living crisis, Fuel Bank may be able to help. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
If you have to prepay for your energy and you’re struggling during the cost-of-living crisis, Fuel Bank may be able to help. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What is Fuel Bank?
Set up in 2015 as a collaboration between npower and the Trussell Trust, the Fuel Bank Foundation is an independent charity. It makes sure people in difficulties have enough energy for cooking and heating.
Who does Fuel Bank help?
It’s aimed at helping people with prepayment meters who are in fuel crisis – meaning those unable to pay for energy for cooking and heating. The charity also helps people who aren’t connected to the mains gas network and have to bulk-buy fuel in advance for heating.
In its 2022 Fuel Crisis report, the charity says that it has seen a 75% increase in demand with 96% of the people it supports having to choose between heating and eating – and this was before the latest energy price rises kicked in.
Who runs it?
The Fuel Bank Foundation is run by a panel of trustees. It has also set up advisory panels made up of experts including those from Ofgem, Citizens Advice and Energy UK.
How can I get a Fuel Bank voucher?
Fuel Bank works with a network of more than 200 partners all over the country. These include charities, community groups, local authorities and food banks. They provide fuel vouchers to customers at crisis point. Each voucher has enough money to top up the customer’s prepayment meter for around two weeks – so customers don’t have to choose between eating, heating and lighting their home.
Eligibility for a Fuel Bank voucher and the process of getting one varies depending on the partner organisation providing it – and you might need to be referred by a third party, for example, a GP or social worker. The first step is to contact your energy supplier and mention the Fuel Bank programme. They may be able to provide you with vouchers themselves or point you in the direction of a partner organisation that could help.
Once your application has been successful, your voucher will be given to you by text, email or in person, depending on the method you’ve chosen. You might have to wait up to 24 hours to receive the voucher.
How can I get other support with my fuel costs?
If you’re having problems topping up your prepayment meter or paying fuel bills, the first thing to do is contact your energy supplier. They’ll be able to adjust your energy plan, or refer you to any schemes or grants that could help you.
See more on what to do if your prepayment meter top-ups are affected by coronavirus
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