The initiative comes as concerns grow over the health effects of high temperatures, particularly for older people and those with underlying medical conditions. According to the UK Health Security Agency, an estimated 1,311 heat-associated deaths occurred during four heat episodes in England in the summer of 2024, with the highest mortality rates recorded among people aged 75 and over.
EDF Targets Households Considered Most Vulnerable to Extreme Heat
EDF’s Heatwave Relief Packs were launched earlier this summer and are intended to provide practical help when temperatures rise. The packages can include energy-efficient desk or pedestal fans, handheld or neck fans, thermal blackout curtains, reflective window film, cooling towels and reusable water bottles.
Customers can also receive up to £20 in electricity credit or vouchers intended to help cover the cost of running cooling appliances. Guidance supplied with the support advises households to keep curtains and blinds closed on sun-facing windows during the hottest part of the day, open windows when temperatures fall in the evening, remain hydrated and check on older friends, relatives and neighbours.
According to the Express, 92 per cent of requests received by EDF had come from customers with a high-risk Priority Services Register condition. Customers can be identified through EDF’s support teams, referrals from charities and community organisations, and direct contact with people who may require additional assistance.
Joe Souto, EDF’s retail director, said the company believed support for vulnerable households should apply during periods of dangerous heat as well as during cold winter weather. He said some customers were reluctant to use fans or other cooling equipment because they were concerned about electricity costs.
The packs are being distributed with support from social impact organisation Charis and London’s SHINE energy advice service. Charis chief executive Jessica Taplin said the programme combined financial assistance, cooling equipment and advice, reflecting the fact that vulnerability does not disappear outside winter.
Heat-Related Deaths Show Why Support Is Focused on Older Customers
Official figures provide the wider health context for the scheme. According to the UK Health Security Agency’s heat mortality monitoring report, England recorded an estimated 1,311 heat-associated deaths across four heat episodes in 2024, compared with a modelled estimate of 1,028 deaths based on temperatures and historic mortality patterns.
People aged 85 and over recorded the highest number of heat-associated deaths, at 753, equivalent to 521 deaths per million population. Those aged 75 to 84 also experienced significant heat-associated mortality, while no statistically significant heat-associated mortality was identified among younger age groups during 2024.
The report found significant heat-associated mortality in care homes, hospitals and people’s own residences. Care homes recorded 496 heat-associated deaths and showed significant mortality during all four heat episodes, while hospitals recorded 473 and private residences 358.
Circulatory diseases accounted for 440 heat-associated deaths, the largest number among the causes examined. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease accounted for 229, while influenza and pneumonia were associated with 79.
EDF’s programme therefore concentrates its support on customers considered at greater risk during periods of extreme heat, combining cooling equipment with limited energy credit and practical guidance.
