Energy giant EDF has unveiled a £1 million scheme offering vulnerable households up to £100 worth of cooling equipment, electricity bill assistance, and guidance through its new Heatwave Relief Packs. The initiative aims to help up to 10,000 eligible customers cope with increasingly frequent UK heatwaves.
What the Heatwave Relief Packs Include
Eligible customers could receive a combination of energy-efficient desk or pedestal fans, handheld or neck fans, thermal blackout curtains, reflective window film, cooling towels, reusable water bottles, and up to £20 in electricity credit or vouchers to help cover the cost of running cooling appliances. Advice on keeping homes cool and staying safe in hot weather is also provided.
Shift in Focus from Winter to Summer Support
The scheme represents a notable shift for energy suppliers, which have traditionally concentrated customer support on keeping households warm throughout winter rather than assisting them in staying cool during summer. According to the UK Health Security Agency, there were 1,311 heat-associated deaths in England during the summer of 2024, with older people accounting for the highest number of deaths. Since 2020, in excess of 10,000 heat-related deaths have been recorded across UK heat episodes.
How Customers Will Be Identified
EDF stated that customers will be identified via its own support teams, referrals from charities and community organisations, and direct outreach to customers who may require additional assistance. The packs will be distributed with the assistance of social impact organisation Charis and London's SHINE energy advice service.
Quotes from EDF and Charis
Joe Souto, Retail Director at EDF, said: "When temperatures fall sharply in winter, there is widespread recognition that vulnerable households may need extra support to stay safe and warm. We believe the same principle should apply when temperatures become dangerously high. We're increasingly seeing a summer version of the 'heating or eating' dilemma. Some vulnerable customers are reluctant to use fans or other cooling appliances because they're worried about the cost. Nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and managing their household budget. As heatwaves become more frequent, support for vulnerable customers must evolve too. Our Heatwave Relief Packs provide practical help when it's required, helping those customers in most need stay safe without worrying about the cost of running essential cooling equipment."
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of Charis, said recent heat-health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency had highlighted the mounting threat posed by extreme temperatures. She added: "By combining financial assistance, practical cooling equipment and trusted advice, this programme recognises that vulnerability doesn't disappear when winter ends."
Advice for Staying Cool
Alongside distributing equipment, EDF's guidance urges customers to keep curtains and blinds shut on sun-facing windows throughout the hottest part of the day, open windows once temperatures drop during the evening, remain hydrated, and look in on elderly friends, family members, and neighbours during spells of extreme heat.
Broader Context
The announcement arrives as households continue to feel the strain of energy costs. Consumer champion Martin Lewis has recently called on millions of households to review their tariffs rather than automatically accepting higher energy bills, stating that many customers can avoid paying more by switching to a competitive fixed deal. EDF confirmed the Heatwave Relief Packs form part of a broader £1 million programme designed to support vulnerable customers throughout the year as increasingly hot summers become the norm.
