National Grid, British multinational electricity and gas utility company, launched a £50 million support fund to help consumers struggling with high energy costs on Tuesday.
Over the next two winters, the fund will make significant donations to beneficiary organizations to support people struggling with energy costs by increasing the number of support staff advising on phone lines, providing fuel vouchers and improving the energy efficiency of homes at no cost to householders.
National Grid pledged to donate £10 million to the Fuel Bank Foundation, £10 million to Citizens Advice, £10 million to Affordable Warmth Solutions, £1.5 million to National Energy Action and £1 million to National Energy Foundation.
The remaining £15 million will be distributed to organizations identified by National Grid as providing direct help and support to those who need it most.
In October, National Grid Electricity Distribution launched a £2.5 million fund, which is open to grant applications from organizations working to help people in fuel poverty across the Midlands, the South West and Wales.
The money will be used by 'charities who provide immediate, emergency financial relief to households using pre-payment energy meters, charities who fund energy efficiency measures to lower bills over the long-term and charities providing advisory services for households who need help with energy bills, payments and debt,' National Grid said.
By Zeynep Beyza Kilic
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr