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Empowering Vulnerable Households: A Study on Energy Tariff Switching

This research study, conducted in partnership with Age UK, KC Social Council, Nucleus, and London South Bank University, aims to provide independent advice to 150 vulnerable households. The study evaluates the efficacy of independent consultations in tariff switching and explores barriers residents face when changing energy providers. It highlights the financial struggles of low-income households, particularly among older individuals and single parents. Key findings indicate that tailored advice can lead to significant savings and improved customer care, suggesting a need for simplified processes and better information.

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Empowering Vulnerable Households: A Study on Energy Tariff Switching

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Switching household energy tariffs Research study by (In partnership)A Movable Feast, Age UK, KC social council, Nucleus and London South Bank University

  2. Objectives • Provide independent advice to 150 vulnerable households (older, BME , Single parents) • To assess whether independent advice tariff has a better outcome • To explore residents ambivalence to changing tariffs ( inc barriers) • To identify any particular relevant themes ( >75 years, BME , single parent

  3. The study • 151 households – 50 in each group across 3 boroughs • Groups represented people spending large % of their income in heating • Av household income £230 • Virtually nil savings • 62% had debts

  4. The benefits • Saving ( £20 – £150 pa) • green tariffs, better customer care • Taking control – esp iterative budgeting

  5. Research methodology

  6. Findings Better results with advice – esp young parents. BMEs after consultation with friends / community. Older people needed a lot more time to consider the prospect of cahnging provider. Main • barriers - ambivalence /time/ other priorities • past experience or scepticism of benefits • too complex

  7. Implications/findings • Better information / easier process; Market too complex • Savings need to be correctly assessed and individualised • Groups who are most likely to suffer fuel poverty ( complex lives) are most likely to benefit from F2F advice + follow up • comparisons sites are too complex for key user groups • Needs to be a process ( time – esp older people) • Price is important to some users , customer care to others, trust in not being the most expensive etc • Loyalty plays a big part for older users • Intervention need to be tailored for different sections ( vulnerable groups: disabled, time poor, older etc )

  8. Recommendations • Commission independent services to support energy tariff switching ( reduce fuel poverty) • Prioritise funding for provision of independent advice for vulnerable consumers to make choices • Work closely with community groups – build on relationships and reach: added value link • consider awareness raising campaign • Consider Action research as a useful tool in working with communities to affect change

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