We have led the way in supporting fuel poor customers. We created the first energy trust fund to help customers who experience difficulties in meeting their utility bills.
The EDF Energy Trust fund was launched in 2003 as an independent charity. Governed by a board of independent trustees, the Trust offers grants and advice to enable customers to manage their household finances. Their main aim is to help people take control of their finances by reducing the burden of their debts and helping them to meet their future bills. It also helps to educate the public about debt awareness and prevention as well as signposting customers to energy efficiency advice and practical support.
The EDF Energy Trust provides grants to voluntary organisations working in the field of money advice, debt counselling or energy efficiency advice as well as individual EDF Energy customers to cover the payment of energy bills and other essential household bills or costs.
As at July 2010, the Trust has so far helped over 18,000 vulnerable customers who have experienced problems in meeting their utility bills. In our Sustainability Commitments published in 2008, we made a long-term pledge to support the EDF Energy Trust until at least 2012 and donating a minimum of £1.5 million a year to assist thousands more customers.
Together with our commitment to offer a discounted tariff until 2012, and a number of local and national partnerships to tackle fuel poverty, we are offering a range of support to our most vulnerable customers.