Putting Householders at the Heart of Retrofit: Our Latest Research with Citizens Advice
We're delighted to share the publication of an important new piece of research commissioned by Citizens Advice, on which People Powered Retrofit was a lead contributor alongside Shortwork and a range of partner organisations.
The research explores the real-life experiences of householders who have undertaken home retrofit improvements across the UK. Drawing on surveys, interviews and workshops carried out earlier in 2026, it provides valuable insight into the experiences of people who have completed energy efficiency improvements through grant-funded programmes, self-funded projects, and a combination of both.
Delivering retrofit well isn't just about the measures or funding available. It's about understanding what householders actually need, the barriers they face and the guidance they get once they embark on a project. This research demonstrates the importance of putting people's experiences at the centre of retrofit policy.
Using the evidence gathered through this research, Citizens Advice has developed a series of recommendations for government - looking to strengthen information and advice for energy home upgrades.
The findings are relevant to everyone involved in retrofit delivery, including local authorities, community organisations, housing providers, installers and policymakers. Clearer, more consistent advice can help more households make informed decisions and make the retrofit journey more accessible.
We're proud to have played a leading role in this research and to have contributed evidence that is helping shape national recommendations for improving retrofit support.
Over the coming months, we'll be sharing more of the research findings and exploring what they mean for the future of retrofit policy and how we can build a system that better supports households to create warmer, healthier and lower-carbon homes.
