Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age UK
Why we’re working together
Older people are particularly at risk of fuel poverty. Older people spend more time at home and often need to consume more energy to keep warm. They’re more vulnerable to the impact of living in a cold or damp home, yet they’re less likely to live in an energy-efficient home, have their gas appliances routinely serviced or be aware of energy support schemes.
In September 2025, Age UK reported that 41% of older people have cut back on heating their homes, often at significant risk to their health. Meanwhile, around £3 billion in benefits went unclaimed by older people in 2024, with Age UK research showing that one in four older people don’t know which benefits they are eligible for.
We’re proudly leading a programme that unites Age Cymru, Age Scotland, Age UK and the other gas networks to lift older people across England, Scotland and Wales out of fuel poverty.
Building on the success of our previous four-year programme, we’re supporting older people nationwide to confidently maintain a safe and warm home with a focus on helping them with trusted information on energy safeguarding and income maximisation.
What we’re achieving together
- Upskilling charity advisors to support older people with energy safeguarding
- Embedding energy triage into the national advice line to help older people maintain a safe and warm home
- Providing clear and accessible information to empower older people to confidently manage energy-related issues
- Raising awareness of carbon monoxide safety and providing alarms when needed
- Promoting the Priority Services Register and helping households to join the free service
- Maximising household incomes through benefits checks
How to get involved
Accessing the energy safeguarding service
If you, or an older person you know, needs support with energy matters, you can find more information on the Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age UK websites. You’ll also find details of how you can speak to a dedicated energy advisor at each of the charity’s helplines.
Becoming a partner
You can find out more about how your organisation could work in partnership to support older people in your region by visiting the Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age UK websites.