UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across London, the South East and East of England to 8.3million customers, has made the Safer Luton Partnership its latest Power Partner.

The charity, established for three decades, works closely with people in the town including victims of crime as well as older people and those feeling isolated.

A new project will see the charity’s volunteers guide around 650 households of those it supports to manage and reduce their fuel their bills by offering energy efficiency advice and information on how to switch to cheaper tariffs.

Kerry Potter, consumer vulnerability manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we re-purposed the Power Partners scheme to help the growing number of people are facing the prospect of fuel poverty.

“We understand how for some this will be the first time they might need to reach out for support as their financial and social circumstances have recently changed.

“It’s now available to organisations who find new ways to help those facing fuel poverty and the need to go to ‘safe’ community places to get advice and support.

 “Many organisations need additional funding to adapt their operation for the current times. Power Partners is about developing partnerships to deliver real help to the local communities we serve.”

Joan Bailey, director of the Safer Luton Partnership, said: “We work with many elderly and vulnerable people in the town. They are already struggling and this will only increase in the current climate. We are proud to have been chosen to deliver this project as part of supporting disadvantaged people.

Launched last year the Power Partners scheme benefitted 24 organisations with grants of up to £20,000 each. Administered in partnership with leading energy justice charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy, the fund this year, will be £300,000.

UK Power Networks’ programme strives to reach all fuel poor homes in the communities it serves with tailored support issued to around 850,000 families. Although the company does not directly bill people for energy, this has already resulted in financial benefits of more than £48million for customers.

Luton residents requiring support can join the Priority Services Register here, 0800 169 9970 psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk