Finding innovative solutions to fuel poverty

A team at Cardiff University is working to address the issue of fuel poverty in Wales. The Understanding Risk group, which brings together staff from the Schools of Psychology and Social Sciences, is leading Fair Futures, a Welsh Government commissioned project, with the Energy Systems Catapult as partner. The scheme aims to identify the common factors experienced by people, now and in the future, which can lead to fuel poverty. Findings from the research will help policymakers and energy suppliers to formulate strategies to better support vulnerable households, including the use of new technologies where these may be helpful. Researchers are initially focusing on homes in Caerau, Bridgend, interviewing residents to find out more about their experiences of managing the costs of gas and electricity. Over the next few months, they will be analysing results, with the findings being released early next year. Dr Christopher Groves, of the School of Social Sciences, said: "Fuel poverty is a problem faced by many families in Wales and indeed, the UK.