Smart Energy GB in Communities

Smart Energy GB, the voice of the national smart meter rollout, has today announced that it will be continuing its consumer engagement campaign with a consortium of three national charities in 2018.

The consortium members, National Energy Action, Energy Action Scotland and Charities Aid Foundation will help Smart Energy GB to ensure that everyone in England, Scotland and Wales can understand the benefits of gas and electricity smart meters, including those who are more vulnerable and might face barriers to benefiting from this technology.

Today’s announcement is part of Smart Energy GB’s wider partnership work through the Smart Energy GB in Communities programme that engages low-income, prepayment and potentially vulnerable people to ensure that they can realise the full benefits of smart meters.

Smart Energy GB in Communities will deliver three elements of Smart Energy GB’s partnership programme:

• the bid fund, which will provide partners with grants to enable them to support their community members in their smart energy journey 
• regional support, which will drive partner engagement at a regional and local level
• training support, which will provide partners with the skills and resources to help others inform and enthuse about smart meters within their community

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Policy and Communications at Smart Energy GB, said:

“The consortium has already provided us with so much insight and support on the ground across our many communities, from Land’s End to John O’Groats allowing many, often vulnerable people learn about the benefits of smart meters and how they can arrange their own upgrade.

“By continuing this work throughout 2018 the Smart Energy in Communities work will go from strength to strength reaching even greater numbers of consumers, bringing them on board for the energy revolution taking place across the nation."

Adam Scorer, Chief Executive at National Energy Action, said:

"We are excited to be working with Smart Energy GB and our partners to help disadvantaged communities and individuals take more control of their energy bills. It is critical that we get advice and support to those who need it most. This national programme means that we can work with other trusted organisations and groups so that people can realise the opportunities and benefits that smart meters offer them." 

-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.

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.

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 the 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

Naomi Adams: [email protected]; 0203 019 1056