Community-Based Energy Advocacy for Vulnerable and Minority Households

GD3 Reach Out is a targeted energy advocacy project delivering support across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to help minority and marginalised households access safe, affordable energy services. The project addresses significant barriers faced by refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities—including language difficulties, digital exclusion, housing insecurity, and mistrust of statutory services—that prevent them from engaging with energy suppliers and mainstream advice. Trained Community-Based Energy Advocates will work from trusted community environments such as hubs, ESOL providers, refugee services, faith groups and minority-led organisations to deliver culturally competent, face-to-face support. Key objectives include reducing structural barriers to energy access, improving understanding of the UK energy system and consumer rights, increasing Priority Services Register uptake, preventing self-disconnection and energy debt, promoting gas and carbon monoxide safety, and strengthening community resilience. This approach improves network safety, reduces preventable harm and ensures equitable access to energy support for hidden or vulnerable customers on participating Gas Distribution Networks.