2020 Smart Energy GB in Communities

NEA leads part of Smart Energy GB’s partnerships programme working with trusted intermediaries to support people who might otherwise experience a barrier to engaging with the smart meter rollout. NEA is pleased to announce that the 2020 Smart Energy GB in Communities programme is now live, with grant funding and support being targeted to organisations reaching people aged over 65 who are unaware of smart meters. This group will have a very limited knowledge and understanding of smart meters and will not have engaged with the rollout so far. Insight from Smart Energy GB tells us that this year’s target group are also more likely to have no personal internet access and/or be on a low income. The Smart Energy GB in Communities programme aims to engage and work with trusted partners supporting people aged over 65 who are unaware of smart meters, to ensure people in the target group understand how smart meters can benefit them. Programme activities for this year include grant funding and free resources to support engagement activities.

Large grants fund

Grants of up to £25,000 are available for organisations that can deliver support to people in this year’s target group: people aged over 65 who are unaware of smart meters. They are seeking applications from regionally based organisations. Ideally with local networks and substantial face-to-face reach that can deliver direct support to people in the target group. Previous applicants are eligible to apply. Housing associations and local authorities are also welcome to apply. They are looking for applicants that have a trusted voice in their community and can provide support to people in our target group. Full details are included in the Guidance Document on the NEA website. Please read this before completing an online application form and Project Plan. If you have any queries please contact us. All applications should be completed using the online application form and Project Plan. The closing date to apply is Friday 21 February 2020. The aim is to appoint successful projects in mid March, with delivery running until 9 December 2020.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the national consumer engagement body supporting the smart meter rollout. Its task is 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. The national campaign is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales.

Smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters. 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. Our task is to support the rollout of smart meters so that everyone has the opportunity to share in the benefits that they bring for households, our economy and our environment. 68% of people with smart meters are more conscious of their energy use*. For further information and frequently asked questions about smart meters click here.

Free resources for your organisation

If you know of someone who could benefit from a smart meter but who needs help understanding how to get one, or what they are, Smart Energy GB’s Resource Centre has free printed leaflets and downloadable materials available to help explain smart meters and the national rollout. A number of resources are also available to download in alternative formats (braille, easy read, large print, audio and British Sign Language); bilingual materials (English/Welsh); and some in additional languages (Bengali, Urdu, Polish and Punjabi). View the materials on the resource centre.

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