Durham Energy Institute Supports Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2026

This year's campaign highlights the devastating consequences of growing up in cold and damp homes, particularly the long-term effects on children's physical health, mental wellbeing, education and future opportunities.

According to NEA, more than six million children across the UK are living in fuel poverty, with families continuing to face difficult choices between heating their homes and meeting other essential household costs.

The Hidden Costs of Fuel Poverty

Fuel poverty is more than an issue of energy affordability. Living in cold, poorly insulated homes can have serious and lasting consequences for health and wellbeing.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with cold and damp conditions increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, while also affecting mental health, school attendance and educational attainment.

NEA estimates that illnesses associated with cold homes cost the NHS approximately £1.4 billion annually, highlighting the wider social and economic consequences of inadequate household heating.

As the UK continues its transition towards a cleaner energy system, ensuring that households can access affordable, reliable and sustainable energy remains a critical challenge.

Connecting Research, Policy and Communities

Addressing fuel poverty is closely aligned with Durham Energy Institute's commitment to interdisciplinary research that supports a fair, inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

Bringing together expertise from across Durham University, DEI explores the relationships between energy systems, public policy, technology, communities and social justice.

Research into energy affordability, housing, energy efficiency, community energy and just transitions can play an important role in understanding the causes of fuel poverty and identifying practical, long-term solutions.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of connecting academic research with the experiences of households and communities, ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are shared fairly.

How You Can Get Involved

National Energy Action is inviting organisations and individuals across the UK to help amplify the campaign and raise awareness of the challenges facing households this winter.

DEI encourages colleagues, students and partners to take part by:

• Sharing NEA's campaign messages and social media resources on Wednesday 18 November, using #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay.
• Raising awareness of the effects of cold and damp homes on children and families.
• Highlighting research, initiatives and partnerships that contribute to affordable energy and warmer, healthier homes.
• Contacting elected representatives to encourage greater action on fuel poverty.
• Supporting NEA's fundraising activities, including the Nation's Biggest Housewarming.

NEA has produced a range of downloadable social media graphics and suggested messages to help organisations participate.

Find out more and access campaign resources:

National Energy Action, Fuel Poverty Awareness Day resources for organisations

Working Towards a Fairer Energy Future

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day serves as an important reminder that achieving a successful energy transition is not simply about delivering cleaner technologies and reducing carbon emissions. It must also ensure that everyone has access to the affordable energy needed to live safely, comfortably and healthily.

Through interdisciplinary research, collaboration and engagement with policymakers, industry and communities, Durham Energy Institute remains committed to advancing understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in creating a more equitable and sustainable energy future.