2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Fuel poverty in Wales: 340,000 homes struggling in 2024
New estimates from the Welsh Government reveal that 340,000 homes in Wales were in fuel poverty as of October 2024, meaning they need to spend more than 10 per cent of their income to heat their homes.
Ben Saltmarsh, head of Wales at National Energy Action, said: "Fuel poverty has deepened dramatically in recent years.
"Too many are living in cold homes, rationing essentials, and mired in debt – with grave physical and mental health consequences.
"Children are growing up in conditions that can damage their life chances for decades.
"Paying over £1,700 a year for a basic utility isn't normal – and in many parts of Wales it's even higher, since north Wales faces the highest energy costs in Great Britain and south Wales is not far behind."
He said the figures highlight a major challenge ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.
Mr Saltmarsh said: "With significant expected consequential funding from the UK government's Warm Homes Plan, all political parties in Wales must commit to considerably increasing investment in energy efficiency should they form the next Welsh government."
National Energy Action is calling for continued emergency crisis support, including help to top up prepayment meters and purchase off-gas fuel such as oil and LPG.
The charity also wants the UK Government to offer deeper energy bill support for those unable to afford a warm home and is urging Ofgem to help low-income households repay energy debt, much of which was accrued during the recent energy crisis.
