Abstract
Policies to address the impact of Covid-19 on low income energy consumers have rightly focussed on energy bills, particularly in the context of home confinement and increased energy consumption. In the longer term, however, we need policies to improve home energy standards. The evidence shows that higher standards reduce the risk of getting a respiratory illness, improve the health of those already with a respiratory illness, improve the ability of our immune systems to fight off illness and reduce the use of health services.
Highlights
Policies to address the impactof Covid-19 on low incomeenergy consumers have rightly focussed on energy bills, in the context of home confinement and increased energy consumption
Uswitch estimates that home confinement will cost the average energy consumer an extra £16 per month (Uswitch, 2020)
With respect to the 4 million prepayment meter consumers, many of whom may be struggling to keep their meters in credit, supplier support can include adding discretionary credit or sending a pre-loaded top up card
Summary
Policies to address the impactof Covid-19 on low incomeenergy consumers have rightly focussed on energy bills, in the context of home confinement and increased energy consumption. We need policies to improve home energy standards. The evidence shows that higher standards reduce the risk of getting a respiratory illness, improve the health of those already with a respiratory illness, improve the ability of our immunesystems to fight off illness andreduce the useof health services.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
