Fuel Bank kept heat and power on for 444,813 people

A shortfall on a prepayment meter can mean no heating, hot water or power. Fuel Bank Foundation combines emergency credit with advice intended to prevent the next crisis. Here are four things worth knowing.

1. The problem
   Even during a more stable energy year, households still rationed heating, skipped meals and reduced hot-water use because energy remained unaffordable.

2. How the response works
   Trusted community partners verify need and request a same-day fuel voucher or alternative-fuel top-up. The charity aims to provide about ten days of energy, then offers efficiency, money and specialist advice.

3. What the evidence says
   Fuel Bank reports that 444,813 people received crisis support in 2025/26, with £12,475,152 spent on warmth, light and power. Among 20,286 digital-advice users, 52% took action and they were 37% less likely to need long-term crisis support.

4. What it means—and the limit
   Fast relief can create breathing room for longer-term help. But these are charity-reported results, not an independent evaluation, and emergency vouchers cannot fix low incomes, inefficient homes or unaffordable tariffs. Fuel Bank says system reform is still needed.