Why have our energy bills risen?
Since early 2022, more and more of us are struggling to cope with rising energy bills. Some people living in poorly-insulated homes are hit harder, with energy use and bills higher than average. And with most of our home heating coming from gas, we're adding to the climate crisis.
So why are our bills so high and what's the solution for warmer homes and lower emissions?
Suffering from cold
A new report, commissioned by Friends of the Earth and produced by the Institute of Health Equity, has revealed the terrible cost of Britain's cold homes on people's physical and mental health. As reported by the Guardian, almost 10 million UK households are living in poorly insulated homes and likely can't afford improvements.
Find out how millions are being left out in the cold and what solutions are urgently needed, including a national insulation programme.
Cold homes are hurting the climate and communities
Demand mass home insulation nowWhat is fuel poverty and who's hit hardest?
If your energy bill was 40% of your monthly income, how much would you have left?
Use our calculator to see what different levels of fuel poverty would look like for you. And then see how many people are paying 10%, 20% or more of their income on energy bills and the kind of households they live in.
Living in the coldest neighbourhoods
We've found the coldest neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Homes in these areas are hardest to heat due to poor insulation, which makes energy use and bills higher than average, and where most people are living on low incomes.
Our thermal images captured people in their homes trying to keep warm. People here told us their stories and the solutions they can see we need to help all of us have warmer homes.
How to solve the energy crisis
There's a way to get out of the energy crisis, and secure warmer homes and cheaper energy across the UK. What's more, the solutions will help lower emissions and avoid further climate breakdown.
Find out the 3 keys to ending the crisis.
Cold homes are hurting the climate and communities
Demand mass home insulation nowWays to keep warm
We’ve put together energy-saving tips that you can act on now while we press the government to do more to address the energy crises.
Our guide to home insulation and heating explains things like cavity wall insulation and how heat pumps work. And we show you how long it takes for the savings to cover the costs.
Community action
Further reading
