Smart Energy GB appoints Third City to strengthen consumer engagement
Smart Energy GB has appointed Third City to provide consumer PR support.
Third City will support Smart Energy GB as it delivers one of the most inspirational and engaging consumer campaigns Great Britain has ever seen – focusing on the roll-out of new technology to transform the current out-dated way the British public buys and uses its gas and electricity. The agency was brought in following a four-way pitch at the end of 2014.
More than 50 million smart meters will be installed by energy suppliers in 26 million homes across Great Britain between now and 2020. The new meters will be installed at no additional cost to consumers, and will transform the public’s experience of buying and using energy, especially for people on low incomes or using prepayment meters. Smart meters will help people control the way they use energy in their homes, will bring an end to estimated bills and meter readings, and in the future will make it easier to shop around for the best deal and change supplier.
Smart Energy GB’s task is to engage every single household in Scotland, England and Wales during the roll-out – especially those who may need additional support to have a smart meter installed and to use it in their home.
Claire Maugham, Director of Communications at Smart Energy GB, said: “The national smart meter roll-out is one of the most important infrastructure projects of our generation. Smart meters are an essential technology upgrade which will transform the experience of buying gas and electricity, especially for people on low incomes or using pre-payment meters. We have to reach 26 million homes, and make sure absolutely no one is left behind.
“We were immediately impressed with Third City’s comprehensive approach to this exciting task, along with the team’s creative ideas and previous experience with national campaigns. Smart Energy GB is committed to working with the very best, most passionate strategic and creative agency partners, and Third City will be a welcome addition to this support.”
Graz Belli, Founding Partner at Third City, added: “As far as behaviour change campaigns go, they don’t get much bigger than this. We’re excited by the scale and challenge of the project, and driven by the belief that this programme will have a hugely positive impact on the nation –transforming the relationship we have with energy.”
Third City joins AMV BBDO and PHD providing creative campaign development and media buying, along with stakeholder engagement specialists Westminster Advisers.
About Smart Energy GB
Smart Energy GB is the independent organisation tasked by government to engage the country during the roll-out of smart meters to every home in Great Britain. The organisation will design and deliver the consumer communications that supports the nationwide roll-out. Smart Energy GB is responsible for helping people to understand how they will be able to benefit from this new technology and when it will be available to them. It has a particular duty to ensure that low-income, prepayment and vulnerable consumers benefit from the smart meter roll-out.
Smart Energy GB media contacts
For more information, please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:
Alicia Painter: [email protected], 0203 751 0745
Claire Maugham: [email protected], 07796 175248