Powering Change: New Glasgow Scheme Targets Child Poverty and Energy Bills

A major new partnership between E.ON Next, Glasgow City Council and the Wise Group aims to tackle child poverty by cutting household energy costs and improving living conditions for some of the city’s most vulnerable families.

The initiative, described as a first of its kind in Scotland, combines targeted family support with advanced energy solutions, with the potential to reduce energy bills by up to 30%. It forms part of Glasgow’s wider Child Poverty Programme and supports a “whole family” approach to addressing financial hardship.

At the heart of the scheme is the installation of home battery systems, funded by E.ON Next. These systems allow households to store electricity when it is cheaper and use it when prices are higher, helping families better manage their energy use and costs.

The project will also include home energy efficiency assessments, debt relief support for those struggling with bills, and the provision of energy-efficient appliances. Together, these measures aim to deliver meaningful, long-term savings while improving comfort in the home.

The Wise Group will act as a key link between the programme and participating families, offering mentoring and guidance to help households navigate financial challenges, build resilience and access additional support services.

Initially, the scheme will support around 100 households, with ambitions to expand further. The need is significant: around 26% of children in Glasgow—nearly 26,000—are living in relative poverty, with almost 10,000 experiencing deep poverty.

Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK, said the project demonstrates how innovation can deliver immediate and lasting benefits, helping families take control of their energy use while building resilience for the future.

Councillor Ricky Bell, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, described tackling child poverty as an urgent priority, noting that many families continue to struggle with basic needs such as heating their homes. He said the partnership offers a practical way to make a real difference to household costs while providing wider support.

Sean Duffy, Chief Executive of the Wise Group, added that fuel poverty is part of a broader cycle of hardship. He said the combination of technology and trusted support could help break that cycle, improving stability and wellbeing for families.

Using data from E.ON Next, the Department for Work and Pensions and the council, the programme will target those most in need—ensuring support reaches the households where it can have the greatest impact.