 When you think of energy advice, do you picture radiators, heated blankets and a warm mug of tea? The answer is most likely yes. Because, until very recently, this is where many energy advisors’ attention was most needed: keeping people warm and well throughout winter.
Much of the UK's systems and energy focus are geared towards winter, with the winter fuel allowance, and seasonal fuel poverty campaigns centred on cold, damp homes and the dangers they pose. And with good reason – it has been estimated that 10% of excess winter deaths are attributable to fuel poverty and 21.5% to cold homes. But, increasingly, we are faced with the reality of not just cold winters, but unbearably hot springs and summers. Energy advice is no longer a winter issue. It is year-round. So, this year, our service is getting a refresh to reflect not only this, but to build on the findings from our previous two years of support on the ground across London. Read on to hear the story so far, and how we’re supporting Londoners with their energy efficiency needs year round.
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 With this week’s red heat warning in London, we’ve put together some of our top tips to help keep yourself and your home cool this summer!
 In the last three years alone, total energy debt and arrears in the UK have more than doubled to official estimates of nearly £4.5 billion. Analysis from trade association for the UK energy industry, Energy UK, actually shows that the true figure is around £5.5 billion.
The typical dual-fuel household now pays an extra £50 per year on their energy bill to cover debt related costs, while standard credit customers pay an astonishing £140. We see this story play out with so many of our energy advice customers and our advisors work hard to ensure Londoners know their rights, how to best manage energy debt and how to apply for any benefits they may be eligible for. But more needs to be done. Starting with raising awareness of this huge yet – due to stigma – often hidden issue. If you haven't already, check out this report from Energy UK – Energy debt: Everyone pays. We've summarised some of their key findings below.
 The UK Government released its Warm Homes Plan in January 2026, announcing its strategy to invest £15 billion to upgrade five million homes and help lift up to one million families out of fuel poverty.
The plan sets out how the UK government will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future. But what does it mean for everyday people, in reality?  With rain and cold temperatures firmly on the horizon this month, it's important to focus on ventilation and tackling condensation to help keep your home mould and damp free.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to keep the air in your home fresh and healthy, and what to do if you do encounter mould in your social rented home.  At CREW Energy, tackling fuel poverty is at the heart of everything we do. That's why this year, as with every other, we want to raise awareness of this ongoing challenge for Londoners.
We believe that everyone deserves to live in a warm, healthy home, regardless of income or circumstance. Through our community-led approach, we deliver free energy advice, home visits, and tailored support to vulnerable households across south-west London. Read on to hear more about fuel poverty and how we're working to alleviate it for our community.  For the third year in a row, CREW Energy has teamed up with Wandsworth Council and Richmond Council to provide Warm Home Packs for eligible residents this winter.
These free packs are designed to help households reduce energy bills by as much as £250 a year and make homes more comfortable during the colder months. Packs include items such as draught excluding tape, a smart plug, and a shower timer.  South London community energy organisations like ours are delivering cleaner and cheaper energy for South London in a wide variety of different ways! We work with partners and funders including local authorities, local and national businesses, government and other third sector organisations to create change in our local area.
Our latest batch of projects with Wandsworth Council is a shining example of just what groups like ours can achieve when we have the support and financial backing of local authorities.  Chances are you already have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home. But when did you last check it was working properly? A recent report found that 95% of CO alarms were not tested in 2024, meaning thousands of households are unwittingly putting themselves at risk of CO poisoning.
Why not take a minute to read some of our tips for CO safety in your home. It could save your life!  Fresh off the back of yet another heatwave, we have a few more tips to help keep your home cool this summer – this time, some recommendations for affordable energy-saving equipment that can help keep out the heat, so you can keep your cool!
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