Responding to the Energy Crisis: Support and Action for Northumberland Households

24th Mar 2026

The recent surge in domestic heating oil and LPG prices has left many households in Northumberland struggling to heat their homes. At Community Action Northumberland (CAN), we know how deeply this crisis is affecting off‑grid households in rural areas, and we have been working hard to support local families while pushing for meaningful action at national level.

Why This Matters

Heating oil is a lifeline for many homes that are not connected to the mains gas network. It is bought in bulk, stored in tanks, and used to heat homes through long, cold winters. Unlike electricity or gas, the price of heating oil is not regulated and is directly tied to global crude oil markets — meaning households are exposed to volatile price swings and rising costs. This vulnerability has been highlighted in national discussions by Community Action Northumberland, the Rural Services Network and others. We are raising this issue because households — particularly those dependent on oil — are facing disproportionate financial pressure.

CAN’s Local Advocacy Work

Over the past week, CAN has been actively involved in public and policy‑level discussions about this energy crisis. We gave a statement to the BBC that drew attention to the fact that domestic heating oil remains outside of price regulation, and that its costs have risen sharply for many households.

We have also shared detailed evidence with the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) network about the specific challenges facing oil customers in Northumberland. ACRE is using this information in its engagement with government, helping to ensure that the lived experience of rural households is heard at Westminster.

Working with partners such as the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, we have explored proposals for more targeted support for off‑grid households, including ways to help those using diesel, oil or LPG in this crisis. Our key recommendations have included:

• Reintroducing the Alternative Fuel Payment as soon as possible, distributed either through electricity bills or through council tax for homes without an electricity connection.  This approach would benefit all those struggling with alternative fuel costs in the same way the price cap protects all those using mains gas.
• Long‑term reform of the heating oil market, including new protections and potential regulation to prevent unchecked price rises.

What the National Government Has Announced

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister announced that £53 million will be made available to support the most vulnerable users of heating oil across the UK. In England this amounts to £27 million, which will be distributed via local authorities through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April 2026. Details are still emerging, but guidance for local authorities indicates that voluntary and community sector organisations — like CAN — are expected to play a key role in identifying households in need and delivering support.

Beyond financial support, government ministers have also acknowledged that heating oil is unregulated, and have said they are exploring ways to introduce new consumer protections — a step we have long advocated.

What This Means for Northumberland

This funding and attention at national level is welcome, but it also highlights ongoing inequalities. Households connected to mains gas benefit from protections like the energy price cap, whereas off‑grid households do not have the same safeguards. CAN is committed to continuing to raise this clear disparity with government decision‑makers and pressing for fair treatment of all energy consumers on equity grounds.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know is struggling with heating costs, support options include:

• Northumberland County Council’s Household Support Fund, which may provide assistance with energy bills.
• Organisations such as National Energy Action and Citizens Advice, which can offer advice and access to energy vouchers.

Our energy team is on hand to help. You can get in touch at energy@ca‑north.org.uk or 01670 517178 if you need advice, support or know someone who does.

Final Thoughts

The energy crisis is a national challenge, but its impact is felt most deeply in rural places like Northumberland where households can’t simply switch to cheaper grid energy. CAN will continue to champion the needs of our communities — pushing for immediate support, fairer long‑term policies, and protections that help every household stay warm and secure in their own home.