The Fund was established by a collaborative network of community groups to support local households struggling to pay energy bills as a result of the pandemic and the onset of dropping winter temperatures.
The crowdfunding target of £10,000 was set up with the aim to support 200 Bristol households by providing £50 direct payments to those suffering in fuel poverty identified by local grassroots organisations.
Following Bristol Energy’s donation, the Fund has now been extended to a total £20,000 and organisers hope the campaign will raise even more money for this vital cause.
Craig Baxter, Sales & Marketing Director, Bristol Energy said, “As a business we are doing all we can to support vulnerable customers and recognise the difficulties and complexities households are facing during this pandemic.
“We’re delighted to be able to support Bristol Energy Network’s initiative and continue to explore other measures of support including our own Fuel Good Fund, helping to tackle fuel poverty in the community wherever we can.”
Rebecca Windemer, Director of Bristol Energy Network, added, “This is clearly a very large donation and will make an immediate, real and significant difference to a lot of people's lives. We hope that it will encourage others to follow - the size of the challenge we are facing is huge. We now have as much again from individual donations but other community members, businesses and organisations stepping forward and following Bristol Energy's example could be absolutely transformative in terms of helping to keep Bristolians out of fuel poverty this winter.”