Energy supplier EDF has launched a £1 million heatwave relief schemeRory Poulter12:41, 08 Jul 2026An Energy giant says vulnerable customers could receive up to £100 of free support as soaring temperatures raise health fears Thousands of vulnerable households could receive free fans, blackout curtains and help with their electricity bills under a new £1 million scheme launched by EDF to help people cope with increasingly frequent UK heatwaves.‌The energy supplier has unveiled Heatwave Relief Packs, which will provide practical cooling equipment, electricity bill support and advice to customers most at risk during spells of extreme hot weather.‌Up to 10,000 eligible households could benefit from the initiative, with each support package worth up to £100. The move comes as concerns grow over the health risks posed by rising summer temperatures, particularly for older people and those with underlying health conditions.‌Eligible customers could receive a combination of:Energy-efficient desk or pedestal fansHandheld or neck fansThermal blackout curtainsReflective window filmCooling towelsReusable water bottlesUp to £20 in electricity credit or vouchers to help cover the cost of running cooling appliancesAdvice on keeping homes cool and staying safe in hot weather‌The scheme marks a significant shift for energy suppliers, which have traditionally focused customer support on keeping households warm during winter rather than helping them stay cool in summer.According to the UK Health Security Agency, there were 1,311 heat-associated deaths in England during the summer of 2024, with older people accounting for the highest number of deaths. Since 2020, more than 10,000 heat-related deaths have been recorded across UK heat episodes.EDF said customers will be identified through its own support teams, referrals from charities and community organisations, and direct contact with customers who may need extra help.‌Joe Souto, Retail Director at EDF, said: "When temperatures fall sharply in winter, there is widespread recognition that vulnerable households may need extra support to stay safe and warm. We believe the same principle should apply when temperatures become dangerously high."We're increasingly seeing a summer version of the 'heating or eating' dilemma. Some vulnerable customers are reluctant to use fans or other cooling appliances because they're worried about the cost. Nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and managing their household budget.“As heatwaves become more frequent, support for vulnerable customers must evolve too. Our Heatwave Relief Packs provide practical help when it's required, helping those customers in most need stay safe without worrying about the cost of running essential cooling equipment.”‌The packs will be distributed with the help of social impact organisation Charis and London's SHINE energy advice service. Jessica Taplin, chief executive of Charis, said recent heat-health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency had underlined the growing danger posed by extreme temperatures.She added: "By combining financial assistance, practical cooling equipment and trusted advice, this programme recognises that vulnerability doesn't disappear when winter ends."As well as providing equipment, EDF's guidance encourages customers 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, stay hydrated and check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbours during periods of extreme heat.Article continues belowThe announcement comes as households continue to face pressure from energy costs. Consumer champion Martin Lewis has recently urged millions of households to review their tariffs rather than automatically accepting higher energy costs, saying many customers can avoid paying more by switching to a competitive fixed deal.EDF said the Heatwave Relief Packs form part of a wider £1 million programme designed to support vulnerable customers throughout the year as hotter summers become more common.