Celebrating the impact of the energy redress fund

Children First was delighted to welcome Mark McAllister, Chair of Ofgem and Mike Thornton, Chief Executive of Energy Saving Trust to celebrate a milestone for the Ofgem energy redress fund. 

Paid for by companies that break its rules, Ofgem’s energy redress fund has supported one million people and created close to £250 million funding for projects. Since April 2024, Children First has helped 3,615 households experiencing energy-related challenges, financial hardship and long-term poverty across Scotland thanks to the energy redress fund.  

Speaking at the visit, Mark McAllister, Chair of Ofgem, said: “Protecting consumers and ensuring they’re treated fairly is central to our mission, and these significant milestones reflect our commitment to raising standards across the energy sector.  

 “Most energy suppliers provide a good standard of service and the majority of consumers are satisfied with the outcome. But when companies fail to meet their obligations, we ensure they put things right. The Energy Redress Scheme shows how money paid by companies that break the rules can be used to make a real difference.   

“The fund has provided a lifeline to over a million consumers and helped lower energy costs for thousands. It’s also vital for supporting innovative clean power projects to boost homegrown renewable energy that will support generations to come.”  

Since 2024 the fund has enabled Children First to support families through almost 2,500 home visits, more than 4,700 energy advice calls and 1,200 crisis payments. Earlier this year we were awarded a further £411,000 from the redress fund over a two-year period to provide our financial wellbeing advisers with qualifications and training to continue to provide practical, emotional and financial support to children and families across Scotland.  

Philip is a kinship carer to his grandson Leon. A Children First family support worker was concerned about the family's energy situation and connected Philip to our warm homes adviser. Philip now has a warmer, safer home and is getting ongoing support to resolve energy debt that had accrued. 

He said: "I was really struggling financially and couldn’t afford the basics that Leon needed before I got in touch with Children First. 

“Now I’m getting help to sort out the problems with my energy bills and have had help with my wider finances too. I don’t need to say no to Leon anymore when he asks for things that he needs." 

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children First, said: “The Redress Fund is transforming the lives of thousands of families like Philip’s across Scotland helping them to overcome financial hardship and build brighter futures for their children.  

“By weaving high-quality energy advice into the wider emotional, practical and financial wellbeing help we offer through our national support line and in local communities, we’re preventing energy challenges becoming a crisis, building families’ resilience and helping to improve the lives of children across the country.   

“Any family in Scotland in need of support can call Children First on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at www.childrenfirst.org,uk/supportline.”  

 Mike Thornton, Chief Executive at Energy Saving Trust, which operates the redress fund on Ofgem's behalf, said: “Reaching more than one million people is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the commitment of the charities, community groups and partners funded by the Energy Redress Scheme. We’re proud to deliver the scheme on behalf of Ofgem and support organisations that are committed to making a difference to people’s lives. This funding helps households facing immediate challenges whilst also supporting innovative projects that will strengthen communities and contribute to a more affordable, resilient energy future.”  

For further information about the Energy Redress Scheme click here.  

You can read more about how Children First helped Philip's family here.

Any family in Scotland in need of support can call Children First on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at www.childrenfirst.org,uk/supportline.