Citizens Advice partners with Smart Energy GB to spread the word about smart meters

Smart Energy GB, the voice of Britain’s smart meter rollout, has announced a national partnership with the charity Citizens Advice to support people in getting their smart meter installed and using the new technology coming to every home. 

Every year, Citizens Advice helps 77,000 people with a range of energy related issues - from fuel poverty to energy efficiency.

This partnership will mean the thousands of people across England and Wales who get help with energy advice from Citizens Advice will also get information on smart meters, including what the new technology is and how they can use it.

Every home will be offered a smart meter, at no additional cost by 2020. Smart meters bring an end to estimated bills and show people how much energy they are using in pounds and pence, in near real time. They will also make prepayment for energy cheaper and more convenient.

The partnership between Smart Energy GB and Citizens Advice will deliver:

• Training to staff and volunteers who deliver the charity’s energy advice
• The inclusion of information about smart meters in core advice services about energy, financial capability and money guidance

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:

“Smart meters completely transform the way in which households buy and manage their gas and electricity. They make it much easier to see how much energy you are using, helping those on low incomes to manage their budgets. 

“Through our partnership with Citizens Advice we will be able to ensure that those making contact with the charity get consistent advice and information about how smart meters can help them to get their energy under control. Citizens Advice has the existing network and committed staff and volunteers that will help us to reach many people who could benefit the most from smart meters.”

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Smart meters will be a huge change for millions of energy customers. As people adjust to new smart meters in their homes, it’s vital they have access to free, impartial advice on what this new technology will mean for their energy bills. 

“Citizens Advice helps people with a range of energy issues, supporting customers to shop around, reduce their bills and get help if they are falling behind. Now our dedicated staff and volunteers will also play an active role in helping people understand and have confidence using smart meters.”

 

 

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Notes to editors

1. The partnership agreement is with Citizens Advice covering England and Wales. Citizens Advice Scotland is not part of this agreement although Scottish users of the Citizens Advice national helpline will benefit from the training given to advisers.

2. Further information about partnering with Smart Energy GB can be found here.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the smart meter rollout. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control. Our national campaign has already begun and will reach all households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. For more information visit our website www.smartenergyGB.org

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters will replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They will provide consumers with accurate bills, near real time information on energy usage in pounds and pence, and greater control over their gas and electricity. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. Between now and 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. More than 3.5 million smart meters have already been installed. To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier, pick up a leaflet from your local Post Office branch or visit www.smartenergyGB.org/get-a-smart-meter

About Citizens Advice

The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together they help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

To find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales or to get advice online, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.

Smart Energy GB media contacts

For more information including interview requests, case studies of smart meter users, infographics, photography and video content please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:

Stephen Shawcross: [email protected]; 0203 019 1057