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Grants of up to £5000 on offer to organisations working with older people
Second round of funding for third sector groups and charities to communicate the benefits of smart meters now open
Wednesday 16th May, 2018: Smart Energy GB, the voice of the smart meter rollout, is offering grants to local charities who will champion the benefits of smart meters to older people.
The grants, from the Smart Energy GB in Communities Fund, will enable local organisations to deliver projects that engage people aged 60 who do not have internet access, and everyone who is over 65. The aim of the funding is to help older people understand the benefits of smart meters and address any concerns they may have.
Charities have until Tuesday, 29 May 2018 to bid for between £500 to £5,000 to deliver activities. The first round of funding closed on 14th May 2018.
Last year, 66 small grants were awarded to local organisations from the Smart Energy GB in Communities Fund helping to reach thousands of people in their local communities.
Smart meters replace the traditional analogue meters we currently have in our homes. They enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use and greater control over the way we buy and use energy.
Smart Energy GB continues to work with the three charities - National Energy Action, Energy Action Scotland and Charities Aid Foundation to manage this programme.
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:
"The smart meter rollout is a vital investment for Great Britain. It will reduce energy bills, help keep the lights on and deliver billions of pounds of savings to our economy. The government's goal is that every household has a smart meter installed by the end of 2020.
"Older people will benefit from targeted community funding for activities and projects delivered by partners to directly engage with them, so they can better understand the benefits of the smart meter rollout for both them and the country.
"We hope that through this funding, we can engage older people in the transformation of Great Britain's energy sector."
Monica Brown, Head of Charity Advisory and Programmes at Charities Aid Foundation, said:
"We have worked with Smart Energy GB over the last two years to deliver this campaign raising the awareness of the general public about the benefits of smart meters. We are pleased to continue working with them on such an important matter.
"CAF has significant grant making experience and through this fund can distribute grants to charities across the country who in turn work with their local community groups providing them with knowledge about smart meters. Using this knowledge people can make informed decisions about how they want to manage their energy usage in the future. We are delighted to be a part of this empowering initiative."
Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, 29th May 2018.
Organisations can apply by visiting the Charities Aid Foundation website.
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Notes to editors
About Smart Energy GB
Smart Energy GB is the national campaign for Great Britain's 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.
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 the end of 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. Over eleven million smart meters have already been installed. To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier please visit www.smartenergygb.org/get-a-smart-meter
About National Energy Action
National Energy Action is the national charity working to end fuel poverty. National Energy Action works across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that everyone can afford to live in a warm, dry home. In partnership with central and local government, fuel utilities, housing providers, consumer groups and voluntary organisations, National Energy Action undertakes a range of activities to address the causes and treat the symptoms of fuel poverty. Visit National Energy Action for more details.
About Energy Action Scotland
Energy Action Scotland is the Scottish charity with the remit of ending fuel poverty. Energy Action Scotland has been working with this remit since its inception in 1983. It has campaigned on the issue of fuel poverty and delivered many practical projects and conducted research to tackle the problems of cold, damp homes, particularly where householders are low income or vulnerable, energy Action Scotland works with both the Scottish and UK Governments on energy efficiency programme design and implementation and to inform policy development. It also delivers training and consultancy on domestic energy-related matters. Visit Energy Action Scotland for more details.
About Charities Aid Foundation
Charities Aid Foundation is one of the largest charitable foundations in Europe. It helps people and companies support the causes they care about and provides financial services for the charity sector. It provides a range of services for individual and company donors, including charity accounts, charitable trusts, grant-making and legacy services, company accounts and payroll giving. It also provides fundraising support for charities, social investment and financial services for the not-for-profit sector, including investments and a range of banking and loans through Charities Aid Foundation Bank, an established, low-cost bank for charities.
Smart Energy GB media contacts
Sophie Docker: [email protected]; 0203 019 1077 / 07522 230 907