Support for vulnerable households this winter

As temperatures across the UK start to dip, we are strengthening our partnership with The Wise Group social enterprise to help households facing energy hardship access immediate relief this winter.

Those struggling will be offered a dedicated mentor, access to on-the-spot energy guidance and be offered winter warmer packs containing practical items designed to help them stay comfortable during colder months.

The initiative builds on our long-standing commitment to supporting customers facing financial hardship and those in vulnerable circumstances.

The Wise Group will provide independent support to our customers including energy advice, smart meter guidance, benefit entitlement checks and non-monetary debt assistance along with draught excluders and heated blankets. 

In Glasgow, families being supported through The Wise Group's parental employment support service will also receive tailored winter warmer packs, alongside energy advice and employability support, helping households improve their financial resilience while managing day-to-day costs. 

Andrew Ward, CEO of ScottishPower’s Customer Business, said: "We know that many households continue to face financial pressures, particularly as we head into winter. While support with energy bills is important, people often need wider help and advice to improve their situation in the longer term. 

"That's why our partnership with The Wise Group is so valuable. They can help us provide support to people who otherwise may not engage with us directly.

The combination of practical support, with expert energy advice, benefits guidance and employability support, helps customers access the assistance they need in a way that works for them. 

"Through trusted partners like The Wise Group, we're able to reach more people, provide tailored support and help households build confidence and resilience for the future." 

Sean Duffy, The Wise Group CEO, said: “People don't live single-issue lives. When someone is struggling to heat their home, there are often wider pressures involving debt, health, housing or employment. A blanket or emergency payment can make an immediate difference, but lasting change comes from understanding and addressing the whole picture. 

“That's what makes our partnership with ScottishPower so valuable. Together, we're combining practical energy support with trusted mentoring and household insight to reach people earlier, resolve problems and help families build greater financial stability. It's about more than getting through winter - it's about helping households move forward.” 

A recent example of the impact of the partnership highlights how difficulties meeting the cost of energy bills can be part of a much bigger picture. One young mother at risk of self-disconnection was also facing housing pressures, difficulties accessing essentials for her baby and uncertainty about her future.

Through specialist energy support from The Wise Group's HEAT team and ongoing mentoring, she received practical help to address immediate pressures, access to essential items including emergency fuel vouchers and support to navigate housing services, while exploring opportunities for learning and employment.

By looking beyond the energy bill and bringing support together around the whole family, the partnership helped her take meaningful steps towards greater stability and a more secure future.

We are encouraging any customer worried about paying their energy bills this winter or managing household finances to seek support as early as possible and explore the assistance available through its dedicated affordability teams and partner organisations. 

Alongside the Warm Home Discount scheme, we provide a range of support measures including its Priority Services Register, affordability support programmes, flexible payment arrangements and partnerships with specialist organisations that offer independent advice and practical assistance. 

Working alongside The Wise Group, StepChange Debt Charity, National Energy Action, AgilityECO and Charis Grants, we are committed to helping customers access advice, financial assistance and wider wellbeing support. 

Customers can find more information on support available here - What support is available if I’m struggling to pay my energy bill?