New project in Glasgow aims to help ease child poverty

E.ON Next, Glasgow City Council and the Wise Group have come together for a new project in Scotland that will combine family support with energy-saving measures designed to lower household costs and improve living conditions.

The collaboration aims to make a long-term impact by easing fuel poverty among some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable families.

It will include the installation of home battery systems to help families store energy when it’s cheaper and use it during more expensive periods.

Other support will include energy-efficient white goods and debt relief.

Chris Norbury, chief executive of E.ON UK, said: “Millions of households, especially the most vulnerable, are still struggling with essential bills and worrying about the cost of energy.

“By scaling up smart solutions like home batteries we can cut bills today, enable energy flexibility, and build resilience for tomorrow.

“This collaboration with Glasgow City Council ensures support reaches the families who need it most, giving them real control over their energy use and helping lift children out of poverty.

“Together, we’re setting a new standard for how innovation and collaboration can deliver lasting change for communities, with clean and affordable energy as the foundation.”

This pilot is part of Glasgow City Council’s wider 24-point child poverty action plan and aligns with the city’s renewable energy goals.

The Wise Group will serve as a key support link, offering mentoring and guidance to families, helping them build financial resilience and access wider support.

Sean Duffy, chief executive of the Wise Group, said: “Fuel poverty doesn’t exist in isolation – it’s part of a wider cycle of hardship.

“This trial shows how we can break that cycle.

“By combining smart battery tech with trusted, whole-household mentoring, we’re not just managing bills – we’re unlocking stability, wellbeing and economic participation.

“Glasgow is leading by example here – showing how data, trust and targeted support can come together to reduce pressure on families and public services alike.

“The project also acts as a national demonstrator of how local government, the third sector and industry can integrate delivery to accelerate just transition, reduce energy debt, and prevent child poverty at scale.”

Nearly 26,000 children in Glasgow are currently living in relative poverty, with a significant number in deep poverty.

The first phase of this scheme will support up to 100 homes, with the potential to reach many more in the future.

“We know that too many families are struggling to provide the basics for their children – like good food and a warm home.

“This collaboration will give Glasgow a chance to make a real, daily difference in energy costs for households that need support the most.

“Crucially, as well as improving home energy efficiency, the pilot will aim to provide a much wider package of support, focused on the needs of families.”