Smart Energy GB announces grants for groups helping people without essential digital skills

Monday 15th January

Up to £25,000 available to charities, housing associations and public sector organisations to help communities understand how they can benefit from smart meters
Organisations reaching people without essential digital skills invited to apply by 9^th February 2024
New video showcasing the impact of the fund available to view here

The Smart Energy GB in Communities fund opens for applications from charities, housing associations and public sector organisations on 15^th January.

Coordinated by the charity National Energy Action (NEA), grants of up to £25,000 are available to help people without essential digital skills to understand how to better manage their energy use with the help of a smart meter.

Now in its seventh year, the GB-wide fund will support organisations to help their audiences understand more about energy management and the benefits of getting a smart meter, as well as how they can request an installation

Grants will be awarded to regionally-based organisations with local networks that have a trusted voice amongst communities and are reaching those who are without essential digital skills. This would include those without the essential skills needed to operate digital devices, such as using a mouse and keyboard or those unable to manage information, communicate, transact, problem-solve or create basic digital content.

As some people without essential digital skills can present different characteristics that could be a barrier to them benefitting from having a smart meter, the in Communities fund is seeking applications from partners who can evidence reaching people who:

Are age 75+
Have at least one disability or impairment (for example, but not limited to, sensory, physical, mental health or learning/memory)
Are from lower socioeconomic groups
Have lower literacy

Housing associations, registered charities and non-registered community groups are also eligible to apply and applications are welcome from former applicants.

Applications must be received by 12 noon Friday 9^th February 2024 and funded activities must be completed by 4th December 2024.

Last year, Swansea MAD, an inclusive youth and community charity that works with marginalised communities and young people to address the barriers they face, received a grant to reach those without essential digital skills in the city.

Operations Director, Geraint Turner, said:

“The funding from Smart Energy GB really enabled Swansea MAD to work with people who needed the support the most. At a time when energy prices are unpredictable and can be very confusing to people, having the ability and resource to have dedicated staff on hand to assist and provide people with information that could help them take control of their energy is important.”

Leigh Youth and Community Development Trust, a charity that builds a stronger and safer place for local people, received a grant last year to reach carers of children with Special Educational Needs.

Programmes Director, Hannah Forbes said:

“Funding from Smart Energy GB is amazing for the A team Hub. The resources have allowed our staff to train up, so they’re confident in speaking to people about smart meters and energy bills. As our beneficiaries are from vulnerable communities or on a low income, it means so much to them to receive that support.”

Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electricity meters that measure energy use in near real-time, sending automatic meter readings directly to energy suppliers. This can be helpful for customers without essential digital skills, as it removes the worry of estimated bills and the need to take manual meter readings.

In the home, the smart meter’s in-home display (IHD) provides clear and accurate information that shows how much energy is used in near-real time and in pounds and pence, helping people better manage their energy use and stay on top of their household finances.

As increasing energy bills continue to affect many across the country, this can be particularly helpful for many vulnerable customers during these difficult times.

Phillippa Brown, Deputy Director of Specialist Audiences at Smart Energy GB, said:

“I’m thrilled to announce the new in Communities fund for 2024. The seven years of experience we’ve had working with partners across Great Britain have shown that their credibility, trust and strong relationships held within communities is hugely impactful in showcasing the benefits that smart meters can bring. So, whether you are a previous or a new applicant, we look forward to receiving the innovative ideas you have to spread the word about smart meters to your communities.”

Smart Energy GB is the independent, non-profit, government-backed organisation that helps households and small businesses across Great Britain to understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families and the environment.A smart meter is being offered to every household in Britain at no extra cost. More than half of British homes have got a smart meter.

Application details and further information on the fund is available here

About the Smart Energy GB in Communities fund

Together with our partners, Smart Energy GB is working towards reaching people across the country, including those in vulnerable circumstances, who may otherwise miss out on the opportunity to get a smart meter. In 2023 we worked with 38 regional partners to reach people in fuel poverty, carers those without essential digital skills, providing information about smart meters and addressing concerns these groups may face.

Our partners focussed on delivering face to face activity, which has proved to be the most effective way to engage with these groups. Regional partners reached people through a range of community events including group talks, stands at events and online information sessions.

The Smart Energy GB in Communities fund recruits’ partners through a grant-making fund which we run in conjunction with fuel poverty charity, National Energy Action (NEA). We award grants to regional organisations across Great Britain to reach specific communities. Previously this has included organisations in the voluntary and public sectors, such as Aberdeen Care & Repair, Age UK East London and citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taff.

The programme has benefitted a variety of communities including people who are D/deaf or have hearing impairments; people who are aged 65+; those who are on a low income; those who are offline.