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.
Let’s rewind for a moment
Since 2024, CREW has been supported by SGN’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) and UK Power Networks’ Leave No-one Behind fund to deliver energy advice across London, in addition to funding from Wandsworth and Richmond Councils to deliver Warm Home Packs south of the river.
Originally, we designed the service to mostly meet the needs of Londoners who struggle to pay their energy bills in the depths of winter, when our heating is on and our bills skyrocket as a result.
Until now, this service was delivered under two banners:
- The South West London Energy Advice Partnership (SWLEAP) was a collaboration with our friends at Habitats & Heritage, supporting vulnerable residents across Wandsworth, Richmond, Merton, and Kingston and leveraging a network of community stakeholders, including NHS Trusts, food banks, and faith centres.
- We also had our Hackney Energy Advice Team (HEAT) delivering the same service in Hackney, in partnership with UK Power Networks’ Leaving No-One Behind scheme, Community Energy Pathways and Hackney Council.
What we set out to achieve
Our energy advice service provides a holistic service designed to include all residents. Key interventions include:
- Direct advice via a freephone advice line, home visits, and community workshops.
- Safety and welfare: 800 free carbon monoxide alarms distributed along with assistance signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR) and emergency fuel vouchers.
- Technical support: an Energy Performance Certificate reassessment service was provided for homes where the official rating does not reflect actual poor conditions (for example, homes with damp or inadequate insulation), helping our customers access national grants like ECO4.
- Capacity building: training frontline workers and volunteers/staff to identify and triage fuel poverty.
What we set out to achieve
We’re proud of all that our team achieved during this initial two-year period of the service spanning Hackney and South London:
- 709 energy advice sessions to help residents manage their energy needs.
- 1,167 home energy visits to identify energy efficiency improvements and address concerns around damp and mould.
- Over £69,000 of financial assistance secured for residents through fuel vouchers, water social tariffs, and energy bill assistance.
- 5,100+ households provided with energy-saving items such as LED bulbs, radiator foil, and draught excluders.
So, what’s changing?
The short answer is nothing and everything!
Our funding from both SGN and UK Power Networks is continuing into 2026/27 – with additional support from the National Lottery – and just one small tweak: we’re bringing the delivery fully under the CREW umbrella. We’ll be continuing our free energy advice and efficiency measures across Hackney, Wandsworth, Richmond, Merton and Kingston – just with the same name across all boroughs.
Same vital service, but a much simpler message and identity. So people know who we are and what we do. So we can build trust and recognition in our local area, so that people continue to come to us for support.
‘Tis always the season
And why are we mentioning all of this with August round the corner? Just before everyone disappears for summer, without a thought of winter darkening their door?
One of the biggest takeaways from the last two years is that energy advice is not seasonal. Whether it’s the peak of summer – when London is experiencing its fourth heat wave – or the depths of winter, our support remains a constant for the community.
Last year we received increasing requests for information on how to keep homes cool, not warm. We responded with keeping cool leaflets that we distribute at our events and home energy visits. The winter warm packs we distributed last winter included thermometers with guidance on safe temperatures – hot and cold – with relevant tips for both extremes. This angle is also a key part of our events that take place year-round, not just from September onwards.
Our advice covers seasonal adaptability, showing how insulation and draught-proofing help maintain a stable, comfortable temperature throughout the year, protecting against both extreme cold and heatwaves.
Because keeping homes cool is not just about comfort. It’s just as important for health and well-being as staying warm.
Do you need support with keeping cool, staying warm and well, or just managing your energy bills? Contact us at info@crewenergy.london, call 0800 086 2706 or find out more on our energy advice page.