Evaluation shows in 2017 Smart Energy GB exceeded targets for engagement with older audiences without internet access through partnership activity

More than 430,000 older people without internet access were engaged through
partnership marketing activity in 2017

Monday, 14^th May 2018: A report on Smart Energy GB’s delivery through partnership marketing in 2017  published today details the impact of the organisation’s activity in 2017 to reach older audiences without internet access by working in partnership with other organisations.

In 2017 Smart Energy GB worked with five national partner organisations, Age UK, National Housing Federation (NHF), Community Housing Cymru (CHC), Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

In addition, in 2017 the Smart Energy GB in Communities programme awarded 66 grants to local organisations nationwide, as well as training 179 smart meter Champions to work with local communities.  The Smart Energy GB in Communities programme is delivered by a consortium contracted by Smart Energy GB and made up of National Energy Action (NEA), Energy Action Scotland (EAS) and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

The report details evaluation of activity and reach, as well as impact with those consumers who were engaged by programme activity.  The evaluation showed that consumers who were engaged demonstrated considerable uplifts over a control group in gaining confidence to use a smart meter and belief that smart meters are easy to use.

Evaluation detailed in the report was independently audited by PWC research.

Commenting on the report’s conclusions, Smart Energy GB Head of Partnership Marketing Daniel Denize, said:

“This report sets out the results of detailed evaluation of Smart Energy GB’s 2017 partnership marketing activity and provides an endorsement of the achievements of that activity.   In 2017 through partnership marketing the Smart Energy GB campaign not only reached 430,000 older people without internet access, but it is demonstrated that through this activity we made a real difference in their attitudes and enthusiasm for smart meters.

“I would like to thank all the partners who worked with us in 2017, including the larger organisations who worked with us on a national level but in particular the small local organisations who benefitted from our grants programme and who have been able to make a real difference for older people in local communities.”

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. For more information visit our website smartenergyGB.org

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.

There are already over 10 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. 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:

Smart Energy GB:

Sophie Docker: [email protected]; 0203 019 1077 / 07522 230 907