National Housing Federation and Smart Energy GB partnership to reach older people without internet access

Smart Energy GB and the National Housing Federation (NHF) will work together this year on a project to reach people over the age of 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.

NHF represents housing associations across England and its member organisations provide homes for around half a million older people. Over the past year, Smart Energy GB and NHF have worked together to provide information to social housing tenants across England. This year, NHF will equip housing associations with the information and resources they need to ensure older tenants, without internet access, understand the benefits of smart meters and know how to get one.

This is part of Smart Energy GB’s wider partnership programme, which helps people who may have additional barriers to getting a smart meter, understand the benefits of smart meters and the benefits they bring. 

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive at Smart Energy GB said: 

“Smart meters bring particular benefits for older people, who 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. But we also 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 the NHF 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. 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.

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:

Smart Energy GB:

Robbie Hurley: [email protected] 0203 019 1062 / 07715 653 431