Smart Energy GB teams up with Age UK to spread the word about smart meters

Age UK and Smart Energy GB will work together to help older people without access to the internet find out more about getting and using smart meters.

This partnership will involve Age UK's networks in reaching people who might need additional support to engage with the smart meter rollout, focusing on people over the age of 65 who have no access to the internet.

Every home will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a smart meter, at no additional cost. Smart meters bring an end to estimated bills and show us how much energy we're using in near real time and in pounds and pence.

Age UK is the country's largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. This partnership will engage Age UK's, Age Cymru's and Age Scotland's networks.

Smart Energy GB will work with Age UK to ensure the charity's frontline workers have the information they will need to talk to people and answer questions about smart meters. The two organisations will work together to share information and resources with local Age UKs and Age Cymru partners across the nations. Information will also be available through Age UK's magazine, radio station and other parts of its network.

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:

"At Smart Energy GB we're passionate about making sure that everyone in Britain knows what a smart meter is, how to get one, and how to use it to get their gas and electricity under control.

"Older people around the country who've already had their smart meters installed have told us they can now heat their homes with more confidence that they aren't spending beyond their budget: seeing how much energy you are using in pounds and pence in near real-time is a huge benefit to people on fixed incomes. Others have used their smart meter to help them see where energy is being used unnecessarily - finding energy-thrifty kitchen techniques, or using the smart meter to see if lights are on around the house without climbing the stairs to check.

"We want to make sure even more older people can benefit from smart meters in their home. That's why we're delighted to be working with Age UK to help older people find out how they can get their smart meter fitted, and how to use the new technology for a better experience of buying and using energy in their homes."

 

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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.

 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.

About Age UK

Age UK is a national charity that works with its national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and its local Age UK partners across England. It also works globally to support older people, especially in developing countries, through its subsidiary charity Age International.

Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. It provides free information, advice and support to over six million people and carries out research and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring older people have enough money; have good wellbeing; have access to the health and care support they need; feel safe and secure at home; and are able to make a full contribution to our society and are valued for it.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

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:

Robbie Hurley – [email protected] 0203 019 1062