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NETWORK / 25 / SEPTEMBER 2017 piratory disease was cited as the underlying cause of death in more than a third of cases, for example – but it is an important ele- ment. Meanwhile, the level of households in fuel poverty – people who cannot a ord to heat their homes – is increasing. According to the Government's own data, released in June, the number of households in fuel pov- erty in England increased by 0.4% between 2014-2015 to some 2.5 million households. These households are characterised by low median incomes, higher median fuel costs, and poorer energy eƒ ciency ratings. For example, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, households with insulated cavity walls are less likely to be in fuel poverty compared to households with uninsulated solid walls. In fact, older dwellings have a higher proportion of households in fuel poverty compared to new buildings. The proportion of households in private rented that are fuel poor is higher than in owner occupied prop- erties, but the absolute numbers of those in fuel poverty are larger in owner occupied than private rented, because there are more owner occupiers than private rented home in the country. Those in the private rented sector, says BEIS, are likely to be deeper in fuel poverty than those in social housing. Finally, households with more adults living in them are more vulnerable – but the great- est fuel poverty vulnerability occurs among households of lone parents with dependent children. The quality of social housing – and its energy eƒ ciency – has improved in the last two decades thanks to the Decent Homes Standard, says Chard of the Energy Systems Catapult. Winter Fuel Payments and the Warm Home Discount Scheme are also helping to alleviate fuel poverty in some households. Those who are vulnerable and in fuel poverty may also ' nd some protec- tion in being on the Priority Services Regis- ter, which network operators use to provide advance notice of power cuts and support in emergencies to those of pensionable age, parents with children under ' ve, or those customers with mental health conditions or disabilities. Chard acknowledges that the role of DNOs and DSOs in combating fuel pov- erty is not straightforward. "The network operators are in a diƒ cult position, because traditionally they have not had a close rela- tionship with the consumer," she says. "And certainly, from the consumer's side, understanding the network operator isn't easy." Wising up in Tower Hamlets This is likely to change as DNOs move to the DSO model. In the London borough of Tower Hamlets, which has the highest rates of child and pensioner poverty in England, Energywise, a partnership between 10 organisations led by UK Power Networks, including Tower Hamlets Homes, the Poplar HARCA housing association, the Bromley- by-Bow centre, and with funding from Ofgem, is already examining household energy management – with a particular focus on people who may struggle with fuel bills. The project is giving consumers access to technologies that collect data on energy usage such as smart meters and smart en- ergy monitors. It is also o ering them a new time of use tari that means they can access cheaper electricity at certain times of the day to charge and run appliances. Energywise is an early trial of a model that may become commonplace, in which consumers across the country are charged di erent rates for energy at di erent times, depending on demand on the system. Households ultimately could then choose to use appliances or charge devices during periods when electricity rates are cheaper. Smart appliances might be designed to turn on and o at certain times to take advantage of the availability of cheaper electricity. "Taking advantage of time of use tari s would move the smart meter philosophy onto the next level," believes Chard. A fairer future? The Energy Systems Catapult itself is six months into a project known as 'Fair Future' that is aiming to alleviate fuel poverty across the UK. Chard says: "The level of fuel poverty in the UK is high – this isn't a minor number of households. "If we are going to facilitate innovation to transform the energy system, we need to include all consumers – not just those that are able to pay, or customers that are interested in technology." The Energy Systems Catapult is focusing on harnessing technology and innovation to help families and individuals that are most vulnerable. Chard adds that it is also necessary to understand as yet unseen fuel poverty vulnerabilities that may emerge during the transition to a decarbonised energy system. Many stakeholders should be involved in the ' ght against fuel poverty, she says. "If we restrict the conversation about fuel poverty to the energy system or energy suppliers, then we miss a lot of value. Local authorities, local government and national government all have a role to play." An independent review launched in August to look at ways of reducing energy costs will examine how bills can be brought down by suppliers, households, and at all stages of the energy supply chain. It is expected to be published in October. Chard concludes: "The review on the price of en- ergy will make for interesting reading." "By 2030, I would love to be able to say that those currently in fuel poverty have access to the energy services they need – at the right price." ROSE CHARD, CONSUMER INSIGHT SPECIALIST, ENERGY SYSTEMS CATAPULT Figure 1: Number of daily deaths, and fi ve-year average daily deaths, England and Wales, August 2014 to July 2015. Source: Offi ce for National Statistics 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Deaths 500 01/08/2014 31/10/2014 30/01/2015 01/05/2015 31/07/2015