Smart Energy GB in Communities
Smart Energy GB has announced that it has appointed a consortium made up of National Energy Action, Energy Action Scotland, Charities Aid Foundation and Media Trust to deliver a part of its consumer engagement campaign.
The consortium will deliver a new programme forming part of Smart Energy GB’s campaign, entitled Smart Energy GB in Communities. The combined expertise of the consortium, led by National Energy Action, will help Smart Energy GB to ensure that everyone in England, Scotland and Wales can realise the benefits of 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 marketing activity, which will engage 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 marketing 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
- campaign training support, which will provide partners with the skills and resources to spread Smart Energy GB’s messages through marketing and communications training
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, said:
“These four organisations bring great expertise and insight which together as Smart Energy GB in Communities will be a key part of our campaign. We have looked at best practise in partnerships working to design this important element of our work."
Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive at National Energy Action, said:
“We are excited to be working closely with Smart Energy GB and our partners to help disadvantaged communities and individuals understand how they can take more control of their energy bills by engaging in this national programme. Our job is to get advice and support to those who need it most. By working with trusted organisations and groups within communities we will aim to ensure that householders can get the extra help they may need to maximise the opportunities that smart meters offer.”
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Notes to editors
The consortium was appointed following a competitive pitching process.
Smart Energy GB has undertaken extensive research and consultation to inform its work with particular audiences with characteristics that may act as barriers to realising the benefits of smart meters, and to ensure that the partnership marketing programme is as robust and effective as possible in engaging every household in Great Britain. For more details see Smart energy for all.
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 2020, everyone across England, Scotland and Wales will be offered a smart meter by their energy supplier at no extra cost. Over two million smart meters have already been installed. Find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier.
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.
About Media Trust
Media Trust is a unique charity that inspires the media and communication industry to give their time and creative power to benefit charities, communities and young people.
Media Trust:
- offers a range of charity services including training, digital and film production, and access to media volunteers
- works with its media partners to give charities and communities access to platforms and audiences, including its own television channel, Community Channel
- creates innovative opportunities for diverse young people to engage with media, increasing their creative skills, confidence and connections
- recruits and support thousands of media professionals as volunteers and mentors, providing inspirational opportunities for them to enhance their skills and change lives
Smart Energy GB media contacts
Lucy Maggs: [email protected]; 0203 019 1054 / 07753 216 140
Alicia Painter: [email protected]; 0203 019 1055