Rising energy costs push more Exeter households into fuel poverty as winter support expands

A growing number of Exeter residents are struggling to heat their homes as rising winter bills place increasing pressure on household budgets, Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) has warned. 

The charity and Exeter City Council are urging people to access free energy support this winter, as local heating costs remain above national averages and colder weather sets in.

The reminder comes on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (26 November), with ECOE and national campaigners warning that thousands of households could face difficult choices in the months ahead. 

Fuel poverty (defined as spending more than 10 per cent of household income on energy) affects more than 4 million homes across the UK, and Exeter is experiencing similar pressures.

According to Plumpot, average annual heating costs in the city reached £719 in 2023, around £68 higher than the England and Wales average. 

Analysis from Plumpot, suggests that energy-efficiency improvements could cut typical heating bills in Exeter by almost 29 per cent, reducing them to around £511 a year.

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Breakdowns show that many Exeter homes are spending more than the national average on heating, hot water and lighting. 

Figures from Plumpot indicate that 12.4 per cent of properties in the city spend more than £120 per 10m² on heating, higher than the 10.6 per cent national rate. 

Lighting costs also exceed the national average, with more than 21 per cent of homes spending £5 or more per 10m².

Amid rising costs, Exeter Community Energy (ECOE), a local charity working in partnership with Exeter City Council, is reminding residents that free support is available. 

ECOE provides personalised energy advice by phone, at home, or through local clinics, and helps people access grants such as fuel vouchers and insulation funding. It can also assist with issues involving landlords, councils or energy suppliers and make referrals to health and wellbeing services.

Several Exeter residents say the support has become essential. Sarah Williams, who lives in St Thomas, said rising costs had forced her to closely monitor heating use: “With bills going up, I’ve had to be very careful about how long I heat the house. Advice from ECOE really helped me identify small changes that make a difference.”

Tom Lawson, a student at the University of Exeter, said: “As a student, paying rent and bills leaves little room for heating. Getting guidance on grants and energy-saving tips has been useful. ”Margaret Redburn, an older resident in Wonford, added her concerns: “I’m worried about the winter ahead. Having someone check my heating and suggest improvements has been reassuring.”

ECOE said the volume of requests for help reflects the wider national picture. A spokesperson for ECOE Advice said: “At ECOE Advice, we are here to stand alongside Exeter residents as they face the ongoing challenge of rising energy costs. Fuel poverty means being unable to afford to heat your home to a safe and comfortable level.” 

“It is driven by a combination of low income, high energy costs and poor energy efficiency in housing. Nationally, more than 11 per cent of households in England (around 2.78 million) are projected to be in fuel poverty in 2025. In Exeter, this translates into thousands of households struggling daily.”

"A typical household now pays almost £500 a year more than in 2021. Total energy debt is at record levels. For families already stretched, these pressures mean impossible choices between heating, eating and other essentials.”

Adding to this, ECOE Advice said: "No one should feel alone in facing cold homes or unaffordable bills. Anyone can access our services by visiting our website and getting in touch.”

Nationally, rising energy costs have prompted debate over whether government measures are sufficient to prevent more households falling into fuel poverty. 

For Exeter, where heating and lighting costs are already above the national average, the combination of high bills, colder weather and long-term energy price pressures means many households could face a difficult winter.

 ECOE and Exeter City Council say early access to free advice can help residents identify support, reduce bills and improve home warmth before temperatures fall further.