EDF has today launched its Heatwave Relief Packs, a new £1 million initiative to help vulnerable customers stay safe and comfortable during periods of extreme summer heat.
The aim is to support up to 10,000 customers who may struggle to keep their homes cool or who are worried about the cost of running cooling appliances such as fans.
Eligible customers will receive tailored support worth up to £100, which may include:
- Energy-efficient desk or pedestal fans
- Handheld or neck fans
- Thermal blackout curtains
- Reflective window film
- Reusable hydration bottles
- Cooling towels
- Up to £20 of electricity credit or vouchers to help cover the cost of running cooling appliances
- Practical advice and guidance on staying safe during hot weather
The need for this form of support is growing. According to UK Health Security Agency data1, there were 1,311 heat-associated deaths in England during the summer of 2024, with the highest mortality rates among people aged 75 and over. Since 2020, more than 10,000 heat-associated deaths have been recorded across UK heat episodes, highlighting the growing health risks posed by extreme heat.
Older people, babies and young children, people living with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, disabled people, those taking certain medications and households facing financial hardship are among those most vulnerable during heatwaves. According to UKHSA, hot weather can worsen existing health conditions and increase the risk of serious illness, including heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties2.
Customers will be identified through EDF’s customer support teams, referrals from trusted partners and community organisations, and direct customer engagement channels.
Joe Souto, Director of Retail at EDF said, said: “When temperatures fall sharply in winter, there is widespread recognition that vulnerable households may need extra support to stay safe and warm. We believe the same principle should apply when temperatures become dangerously high.
“We’re increasingly seeing a summer version of the ‘heating or eating’ dilemma. Some vulnerable customers are reluctant to use fans or other cooling appliances because they’re worried about the cost. Nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and managing their household budget.
“As heatwaves become more frequent, support for vulnerable customers must evolve too. Our Heatwave Relief Packs provide practical help when it’s required, helping those customers in most need stay safe without worrying about the cost of running essential cooling equipment.”
Jessica Taplin, CEO of Charis who will help distribute the packages, said: “For many people, extreme heat is a genuine health emergency. The recent Red Heat-Health Alerts issued across England by the UK Health Security Agency, alongside reports of increased pressure on NHS services during this summer’s heatwaves, demonstrate the health impacts of extreme temperatures. Older people, young children, disabled people, those living with long-term health conditions, are particularly at risk.
“We are proud to be working with EDF to deliver practical, targeted support that reaches people when they need it most. By combining financial assistance, practical cooling equipment and trusted advice, this programme recognises that vulnerability doesn’t disappear when winter ends. As our climate changes, the way we support vulnerable households must evolve too. We hope this initiative will encourage wider recognition that protecting vulnerable consumers from extreme heat should become as much a part of customer support as helping them stay warm in winter.”
EDF is working with SHINE London, an energy advice service that supports vulnerable households across London, to help identify customers who could benefit from the Heatwave Relief Packs and provide practical advice on staying safe during periods of extreme heat.
Cheryl Brown, Energy Advice Manager, Seasonal Health Interventions Network SHINE-London, said: “Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable, they can have serious consequences for health and wellbeing, particularly for older people, those with medical conditions, young children and people living in poorly ventilated homes. Often, small actions can make a big difference, from staying hydrated and keeping homes shaded, to spending time in cooler public spaces when temperatures become difficult to manage. By working together to raise awareness and provide support, we can help our communities build resilience and reduce the health risks associated with extreme heat.”
The packs also include practical advice to help customers reduce the risk of their homes overheating, including keeping curtains and blinds closed on sun-facing windows during the day, opening windows when temperatures are cooler, staying hydrated, using fans effectively and checking on older relatives, friends and neighbours during periods of extreme heat.
The Heatwave Relief Packs build on EDF’s wider commitment to supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances. While energy companies have traditionally focused on helping vulnerable households through winter, EDF believes targeted support is equally important during periods of extreme heat. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, the company is expanding its support to help customers stay safe all year round. EDF has worked with Ofgem to develop its summer support initiative to ensure we benefit from the regulator’s insight to develop a package that truly helps customers.
For more information about support available this summer and throughout the year, visit: https://www.edfenergy.com/about/support-for-customers.
