Energy bills are high and getting higher as wars devastate people and planet and push up the cost of fossil fuels worldwide.
Rising energy bills are a challenge for many of us, but especially those on low-incomes living in homes that aren’t well insulated. On top of this, the price of food is predicted to increase as well.
Where are the UK energy crisis hotspots? And what are the climate solutions the government needs to implement now to support us all?
Where are the energy crisis hotspots in England?
This map shows information on the low-income neighbourhoods with high energy bills. It is based on energy consumption data, 2025 energy prices and income deprivation data. Predicted energy bills for 2026 have also been estimated.
- Friends of the Earth’s mapping finds 6,515 neighbourhoods set to be most impacted by energy price spikes, triggered by the war on Iran.
- Birmingham, Bradford, and Enfield top the list of areas with the highest number of 'energy crisis hotspots'.
If you have trouble interacting with this map on your mobile phone, you can open our full page view.
Political parties must commit to scaling up cheap, clean, homegrown renewables and properly insulate homes in energy crisis hotspots before next winter. They must also introduce a social tariff (reduced energy costs) for those most at risk.
How do we build more renewable energy, fast?
Soaring gas prices are fuelling the cost of living and climate crisis. Gas is the UK’s main source of heating, used in around 80% of properties. And the price of our electricity is tied to the price of gas, even when it comes from cheaper renewable sources.
The UK has huge potential to generate clean energy onshore and offshore from wind, solar and tides. Electricity produced from homegrown renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy, far cheaper than gas, and onshore wind and solar farms are the fastest to build.
We need to build more renewable energy fast, move away from heating our homes with gas to heating with electricity. And we need to change our energy system so consumers can benefit from the lower costs of renewable electricity.
How do we get support to insulate our homes?
The UK has some of the least energy-efficient homes in Europe. Some are old buildings with little insulation, draughts and single-glazed windows. It can cost hundreds of pounds extra each year to heat an energy inefficient home compared with an energy efficient one.
Around 10 million low-income households live in these poorly insulated, heat-leaking homes. We’ve identified 6,515 low-income neighbourhoods that will become energy crisis hotspots if energy bills rise as predicted. Simple upgrades like loft and cavity wall insulation can help cut bills quickly and support should be targeted first in energy crisis hotspots.
We’re calling on the government to rapidly roll out basic insulation measures in these areas, street by street, before Winter arrives.
Can we introduce a 'social tariff' for energy to support those most in need?
The cost of living remains high and millions of us will struggle more as energy bills and food costs increase.
Some of us are being harder hit than others. No one should have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table.
We’re calling for the government to introduce a 'social tariff' for energy. This means lower-priced energy for those on the lowest incomes. Targeted support for those who need it is the most affordable and fairest way to address the affordability challenge in the short-term.
Can we remove hidden charges from bills?
Make polluters pay
The fossil fuel companies made huge profits after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and are set to do so again following the US-Israel war on Iran.
We need a permanent and strengthened windfall tax on all excess profits made by oil and gas companies, including during energy crises, to help fund support for the households who need it most.
