Help for disabled people to manage energy bills as snow looks set to fall
With energy bills already sky high, this looming period of plummeting temperatures and the possibility of snow on the way, is putting further strain on already stretched finances.
Life costs more for disabled people. Some have no option but to use more energy for life saving equipment or, need to keep their home warm to manage a condition.
The price cap in April 2026 is set to be £1,620 a year - roughly 40 to 45 per cent higher than the winter of 2021/22 when the energy crisis began.
Demand for help remains high. Disabled people are turning to Scope’s free Disability Community Energy Advice (CDEA) service, that is funded by gas distribution network Cadent.
The charity’s energy advice service has provided information and support to over 73,700 disabled people since launching in October 2024 and over 235,000 have been signposted to where help is available.
Scope’s team of CDEA advisers visit familiar, community settings such as libraries, food banks and community centres. The energy experts provide practical advice and guidance on energy bills, grants, discounts and energy efficiency. If further support is needed, one to one sessions can be booked.
The advisers also raise awareness of the Priority Services Register and highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of having an alarm. Ultimately, they help to keep disabled customers safe and warm in their homes.
Julia Ajayi, CDEA programme lead at disability equality charity Scope, said: “We host regular drop in advice sessions and additional one to one support, in familiar community settings.
"We’ve seen how the service has become a lifeline for those needing help and seeing increasing numbers of disabled people turn to us for support.
“Life costs more if you’re disabled and CDEA has become an essential service for disabled people who prefer to get face to face support, in a familiar community setting.
"There’s no need to book an appointment for the drop in sessions and we encourage disabled people who need our help, to simply turn up on the day.
“If you or you know a disabled person who is struggling managing their energy bills, our website Scope Community Disability Energy Advice has a list of all the sessions our advisors are hosting over the coming weeks. Our team of experts will ensure you get the support that’s right for you.
“Our next event in Sheffield is on Monday February 9, 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Woodhouse Community Hub, 524 Stradbroke Road, Woodhouse, Sheffield S13 7GD. To find details of further CDEA sessions in Sheffield, visit our regularly updated website at https://www.scope.org.uk/community-disability-energy-advice.”