Fuel poverty in Scotland may be accelerating, with those under 35 particularly hard hit, according to new findings from Edinburgh-based energy efficiency social enterprise Changeworks.
The organisation’s recent survey found that half of households in Scotland (50%) say their home is not as warm as they would like or is cold. The Scottish Government estimates that around a third (34%) of households in Scotland were in fuel poverty in its latest figures - from 2023.
The survey, by 56 Degree Insight for Changeworks, also found that more than a third (37%) of Scots are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford their energy bills this winter, with concern rising to almost half of those under 35 (45%).
Stigma around fuel poverty can prevent those living in cold homes and struggling with energy bills from seeking advice and support. As a result, the issue often goes underreported, leaving those in cold households across Scotland without the help they need.
The coldness of many Scottish homes has knock-on effects for the wellbeing, work and productivity of employees, too. As a result, Changeworks is highlighting a unique opportunity for companies to engage with their staff on this issue through its Low Carbon Living sessions, as an important part of wider employee benefit and Environmental, Social and Governance provisions.
Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Fuel poverty and the inefficiency of many Scottish homes affects an increasingly wide cross-section of society. As part of growing efforts to tackle fuel poverty, there is now a significant opportunity for all employers to engage with their people on this issue to improve wellbeing, reduce bills and ensure out-of-office working conditions support a productive workforce.
“For employers in the Central Belt and Southern Scotland, our practical Low Carbon Living sessions deliver free energy and money-saving advice to workplaces and community groups.
“These sessions help to overcome the challenges identified in the latest survey, giving individuals the knowledge and support to make positive change in their homes that can benefit the environment, as well as the individual/home. Personalised support is also available to households through our free and confidential Green Energy Helpline.”
Mark Kennedy, Director at Crisis, said: “As an organisation we are keenly aware of the challenges faced by people affected by poverty in managing their fuel consumption in an energy efficient and sustainable way.
“The increased knowledge and awareness provided by the Changeworks session with our team has provided them with the skills to ensure people using our services are receiving the best and most up to date advice on fuel efficiency and ensuring the most cost effective solutions for them.”
Rob Turnbull, Sustainability Manager at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), said: “The Low Carbon Living session was highly engaging and offered practical, easy-to-implement advice on energy use, heating, and electric vehicles.
“At the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, we are committed to educating our staff and encouraging low-carbon lifestyles, and this session was a valuable contribution to that work. We would happily recommend it to other organisations.”
Professor Gary Hutchison, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Board of Governance at Edinburgh Napier University, added: “At Edinburgh Napier, we believe that every action counts when it comes to environmental sustainability. By supporting our staff and students to make meaningful changes in their own lives, we’re benefiting not only ourselves, but also our local and wider community.
“Working with organisations like Changeworks allows us to inform and empower our University community and create positive change together.”
Over the last three years, Changeworks has supported 215,943 households across Scotland, helping to reduce bills and carbon emissions.
In 2024-25 alone, Changeworks and its joint venture, Warmworks’ services, saved 366,677 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 655,809 UK households’ electricity use.
Changeworks commissioned 56 Degree Insight to undertake a survey of residents of Scotland aged 18 and over with sample quotas and weights applied to ensure representaivenessity of the overall population.
The main survey was undertaken using an online approach with respondents selected from the Cint online panel. A total of 1,219 interviews were completed in November 2025, including a boosted sample of 372 in the Edinburgh and Lothians which was weighted to ensure nationally representative results.