Organisations helping low income households could benefit from grants of up to £5000

Smart Energy GB, the voice of the smart meter rollout, is offering grants to local charities that promote the benefits of new digital smart meters to people who are on a low income.

The grants, from Smart Energy GB's in Communities Fund, will enable local organisations to deliver projects that engage people who are living on a low income, to communicate the benefits of smart meters and address any concerns they may have.

Charities and community organisations have from today (31st July 2018) until 3rd September 2018 to bid for between £500 to £5,000 to deliver activities. Last year, 66 small grants were awarded to local organisations from the Smart Energy GB 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.

The funding is part of Smart Energy GB's wider partnership work through the Smart Energy GB in Communities programme that engages with vulnerable communities or harder to reach people to ensure that they can realise the full benefits of smart meters.

Smart Energy GB is working with three charities, National Energy Action, Energy Action Scotland and the Charities Aid Foundation to manage this programme.

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Policy and Communications at 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.

"Our research has shown that low income households will benefit from smart meters, because they reduce costs and are more convenient for people using prepayment options.

"So, we are making this targeted community funding available for activities and projects that will help the charity and third sectors communicate the benefits of the smart meter rollout for both them and the country."

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 the 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."

Organisations should apply via 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