Scottish Federation of Housing Associations joins forces with Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) have announced a new partnership that will provide advice and information about smart meters to low income households.

SFHA is the voice and membership body for housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. It represents 131 housing associations across Scotland and its member organisations provide approximately 250,000 homes throughout the country

The partnership project will create tailored resources and information for housing associations so they can help their low-income tenants understand the benefits of smart meters so they can better manage their energy bills.

Smart meters give customers accurate bills and show how much energy they are using and what it's costing in pounds and pence on a handy in-home display.

People on smart meter pre-pay can also top up their energy credit from the comfort of their home, via an app or online - as well as by taking a key or card to the shops.

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Corporate Affairs at Smart Energy GB, said:

"Smart meters equip customers with the tools they need to track their energy use and save money, with huge benefits for people living on low incomes.

"With old analogue technology, customers might receive surprisingly high bills, or if they have pre-pay meters, have to go out to the shop to top up their empty meter in the rain. Smart meters transform everyone's experience of paying for energy including those on pre-pay as they are now able to top up remotely from their home.

"Our work with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is vital to ensure their members understand how their tenants will benefit from having a smart meter installed."

Sarah Boyack, SFHA Head of Public Affairs, said:

"We welcome Smart Energy GB's commitment to ensuring that people who are from low income households have equal access to accurate and up-to-date information to enable them to manage their energy bills."

The partnership with the SFHA commenced on the 8 October 2018.

-ENDS-

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 12 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 about getting your free 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:

[email protected] or call 0203 019 1077