Community Housing Cymru and Smart Energy GB partnership to help older people without internet access find out more about smart meters - 16th August 2017

Smart Energy GB and Community Housing Cymru (CHC) will work together in a partnership which will run until the end of 2017 to reach people in Wales aged over 65 who don’t have access to the internet, helping them to find out more about smart meters, how to get theirs installed and how to use the new technology in their homes.

CHC represents more than 33 not-for-profit housing associations and community mutuals across Wales, which provide housing to thousands of older people. 

Over the past year, Smart Energy GB and CHC have worked together to provide general information on smart meters and the rollout to social housing tenants across Wales.  In 2017 the focus will be on equipping housing associations with the information and resources they need to further increase the confidence of older people in the new technology.

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB said:

“Smart meters bring benefits for everyone. Older people who may be on fixed incomes may worry about the amount of energy they’re using and how much it’s costing them: the visibility and control smart meters bring will transform their experience of buying and using energy.

“We know that some older people, particularly those without internet access, may need extra information and reassurance to get and use their smart meter. Our work with Community Housing Cymru will play an important part in ensuring that older people can benefit from this new technology.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

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 is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales.

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use in pounds and pence, and greater control over the way we buy and use energy. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. 

Almost 7 million smart meters have already been installed in homes and microbusinesses and every household in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered one at no additional cost. Contact your energy supplier today about installing your smart meter.

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:

Robbie Hurley – [email protected] 0203 019 1062