Energy supplier to tackle fuel poverty with new vulnerability team

Robin Hood Energy, the not-for-profit, Nottingham City Council-backed energy supplier, is set to offer free Christmas energy to its most vulnerable customers.

They firm says it will top up the SMART prepayment cards of customers who regularly “self-ration” or self-disconnect with £10, so they can enjoy Christmas day with a little less worry.

The company is also planning to create a specialist vulnerability team which will identify and work with customers who may be experiencing financial hardship or difficulty.

Gail Scholes, CEO of Robin Hood Energy, said: “There is a lot of media interest in the high street and online bargains around Black Friday and a lot of us take this and the festive period of spending for granted. However, for many, even the hot meal and the warm cosy surroundings of Christmas are not a given. We know that there are so many
families out there who will need to make a difficult choice between heating their home and having a meal this Christmas.

“We couldn’t just stand by and let this happen. We want all our customers to feel warm, secure and comfortable this Christmas, so our wonderful staff have raised enough money to allow us to top up those customers who may be experiencing financial hardship and may find it difficult to top up their prepayment meters this Christmas.”

The firm has also encouraged its council partners across the country to run similar campaigns to help vulnerable customers in their respective areas.

Peter Leighton from Leeds-based White Rose Energy, one of the first local authority brands to come on board, said: “It’s initiatives like this that make us want to work with Robin Hood Energy. We share a common ethos to support the most vulnerable people in our city as well as across the UK. Being able to step in and support our customers at such an important time of the year is heart-warming.”