Climate and environmental action
Powering Communities
Practical energy support for fairer, more sustainable communities
Powering Communities supports households experiencing financial pressure to understand their energy use, reduce avoidable consumption and costs, and make sustainable changes at home.
300+
Households to be supported through energy advice, workshops and bill check-ups.
Why it matters
Energy and climate justice
Climate change and environmental harm do not affect everyone equally. Households experiencing poverty, poor-quality housing, disability, language barriers or restricted access to support may pay more for energy, have less control over improvements to their homes and be more exposed to cold, damp and extreme heat.
Climate action cannot rely only on asking households to consume less. It must recognise the financial, housing and structural barriers that affect people’s ability to make changes. Powering Communities combines practical household action with accessible support and opportunities for residents to share their experiences and proposed solutions.
How we support households
Energy Saving Workshops
Our interactive workshops are led by trained energy and financial wellbeing facilitators. Clear explanations and practical examples help residents understand how energy use affects household costs and associated carbon emissions.
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Understanding bills, tariffs and standing charges
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Managing heating, appliances and everyday energy use
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Reducing energy use safely
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Planning for household costs
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Responding to debt or energy arrears
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Accessing relevant schemes and specialist services
Bill and Budget Check-Ups
Residents who need individual support can receive a one-to-one Bill and Budget Check-Up. Together, we review household bills and expenses, identify possible savings and agree practical next steps.
Where specialist debt, welfare or financial advice is required, we help residents find an appropriate service.
This support helps residents understand their options and take practical action with confidence.
Who this supports
300+
Households
Our aim
Helping residents take practical action
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Understand and manage their energy bills
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Reduce avoidable energy use and associated carbon emissions
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Make safe and affordable changes at home
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Access relevant financial and energy support
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Contribute their experiences and ideas to NCP’s wider climate work
Who the project supports
Powering Communities supports Newham residents who would benefit from help with energy use, bills, or household costs. It is particularly relevant to households experiencing financial hardship, energy arrears, poor housing conditions or difficulty understanding bills and available support.
Community approach
Local knowledge leads the work
Residents are not treated only as recipients of information. Workshops provide space for participants to explain how housing conditions, household income and access to services affect their ability to reduce energy use.
Recurring concerns and proposed solutions are recorded and reviewed. Resident feedback informs future sessions, NCP’s wider climate and environmental work and, where appropriate, discussions with local partners.