Smart Energy GB in Communities Anahit Aharonyan, Project Development Co-ordinator, NEA 8 th November 2016
Smart Energy GB s partners a recap Volume of partners Major delivery partner National partners Regional partners Local partners 2
outlook results August 2016 Understand what a smart meter is: In home displays increase the benefits people get from their smart meter 79% of people with a smart meter would recommend them to others 69% of people with a smart meter feel more in control of their energy use 84% of people with a smart meter have a better idea of their energy costs 3
major delivery partner update Over 11,000 branches have information about smart meters and the rollout 4
national partners update 5
Smart Energy GB in Communities update We have now launched: Smart Energy GB in Communities fund 64 small grants awarded 18 large grants awarded 32 training courses to 330 champions and 112 briefings to over 1000 individuals - Campaign training support: webinars, online guides and f2f sessions How to guides free to download How to get your message right How to get your story into media / Press release 6
partner resource centre a digital hub for partners Our online Resource centre hosts a suite of assets that partners can use to: support individuals with information about smart meters recruit smart meter Champions create a campaign These include editable and non-editable materials that can be downloaded or ordered and delivered free of charge. www.smartenergygb.org/partner-resources Accessible formats now available via partners@smartenergygb.org - Easy Read - Large print - British Sign Language (BSL) 7
opportunities remaining in 2016 marketing and campaigns NEA is pleased to offer free marketing and campaign training through our consortium partner Media Trust: Our free one-day marketing and campaign training course will equip you with the skills and confidence to communicate about smart meters effectively and understand the steps that are necessary to planning a successful smart meter communications plan. 10 th November Manchester 16 th November Cambridge 23 rd November Newcastle To register interest in any of the partner opportunities email communities@nea.org.uk or speak to your forum chair who will be able to discuss in more detail. Smart Energy GB 2016
opportunities remaining in 2016 accredited smart meter training Our full day accredited smart meter champion training is an interactive, practical course which covers the campaign, Smart Energy GB in Communities, the smart meter rollout, benefits and FAQs, how smart meters work, the protections in place for vulnerable householders and the supplier obligations. Final sessions available below: 15 th November Manchester 10 th November Brighton Qu 3 evaluation on the training: 95% Strongly agree or agree The training will enable me to help my beneficiaries understand more about smart meters To register interest in any of the partner opportunities email communities@nea.org.uk or speak to your forum chair who will be able to discuss in more detail. Smart Energy GB 2016
lessons learnt moving into 2017 We have already gained a lot of insight to tailor the programme for next year, we will be working with our 2016 partners to gain further insight over the next few months but some headlines already in progress: Smart Energy GB in Communities fund application process refined and form template reviewed Monitoring and evaluation framework being reviewed to make it more accessible Further tools being developed for the Resource Centre Training course continually updated with FAQs received while delivering the sessions In Communities Fund reopens for small and large grants Jan Feb 2017 Access to accredited smart meter training re-commences January onwards (get in touch to register your interest) Sign up to our e-newsletter to get up to date notification of the activity in 2017 www.nea.org.uk/smartenergygb/enewsletter 10
questions? www.smartenergygb.org/partner-resources
FUEL POVERTY FORUM Policy Update 8 th November 2016 David Crookes Project Development Co-ordinator NATIONAL ENERGY ACTION
Agenda NEA conference key policy topics Committee on Fuel Poverty first report Get Warm Soon? report NEA s Top 10 Policy Priorities ECO update NEA at 2016 Political Party Conferences Digital Economy Bill Ofgem Update Touching the voids report New fuel poverty CAP web-resource Free training events
NEA conference key policy topics Changes to the design of the Energy Company Obligation and the Warm Homes Discount Regional devolution Data sharing for public bodies Revisions to the RHI CMA recommendations The opportunity for a new Government department responsible for coordinating fuel poverty across Britain and for implementing the fuel poverty strategy for England.
Committee on Fuel Poverty first report Recommendations include providing additional funds for energy efficiency from National Infrastructure funds Emphasis on improving the targeting of fuel poor households and strong support for new Data Sharing legislation References the need to target expenditure from the full suite of Government fuel poverty programmes and recommends government provides a 'targeting efficiency metric' for each fuel poverty programme Provides statistics on the shortfall of funding for meeting the 2030 target and interim milestones Recommends that fuel poor households are given help with fuel bills until their homes are improved Supports fuel companies to deliver energy efficiency programmes to fuel poor households but would like to see councils, charities and health agencies also play a greater role Recommends private landlords improve homes to minimum standards out of their own funds and also strengthening HHSRS enforcement etc. Read the all the recommendations and the full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/committee-on-fuel-poverty.
Get Warm Soon? NEA assessed how far health and wellbeing boards (HWBs) in England are including relevant public health indicators in their joint needs assessments and strategies. Local application of NICE HWBs need to be supported to do this but equally we challenge local areas that have yet to publically state their own concrete plans to commission health and housing services NEA also highlight the Department of Health and Public Health England must establish a new system of national oversight and develop frameworks which consistently replicate NICE s new related quality standards http://www.nea.org.uk/resources/publications-and-resources/getwarm-soon/
NEA s top 10 policy priorities The 10 priority areas highlighted are: 1. Ensure all current statutory commitments are met 2. Reduce the cost to health services of cold homes 3. Maximise incomes and reduce distributional impacts of energy policies 4. Take further steps to tackle exclusion in the energy market 5. Expand access to the Warm Home Discount Scheme
NEA s top 10 policy priorities (cont.) 6. Ensure current energy efficiency schemes are fit for purpose 7. Urgently improve conditions in the Private Rented Sector 8. Seize the wider smart energy and energy efficiency opportunity 9. Reform and refocus heat policy and provide adequate protections for district heating customers 10. Incentivise network companies to take greater action on fuel poverty
NEA s top 10 policy priorities (cont.) http://www.nea.org.uk/campaigns-policy/nea-top- 10-policy-priorities/ For more information contact Peter Smith, Director of Policy and Research peter.smith@nea.org.uk
ECO update 16 th August NEA responded to ECO: Help to Heat consultation NEA has consulted our supporters extensively before and during this consultation Response captured feedback from NEA call for evidence and workshops at forums on the delivery of the current ECO programme NEA also held a workshop with its supporters in early August 2016 to provide an opportunity to discuss supporter s views and review the consultation questions You can read the main points we make in our ECO response here: http://www.nea.org.uk/media/news/nea-responded-help-heatconsultation/ and the full response here: http://www.nea.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2016/08/nea-response-to-the-eco-help-to-heat-final- 1.pdf Awaiting UK Gov response for the transition year (expected mid Dec) Consultation on the longer-term ECO programme from 2018 will be released in Jan 2017
NEA at 2016 Political Party Conferences Attendance at all of the main party conferences Ran a joint event with Sustainability Hub and spoke at events Highlighted the need to meet statutory targets and wider related commitments such as; Minimum energy performance standards in the private rented sector Tackling exclusion in the energy market Met with several influential politicians and stakeholders NEA also provides the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Fuel Poverty & Energy Efficiency Group and met many MPs keen to address fuel poverty
The Digital Economy Bill NEA has produced a detailed briefing on how the Digital Economy Bill could play an important role in supporting energy companies to identify and deliver help to struggling energy consumers Highlights how these actions are in line with the Fuel Poverty Strategy for England Greater involvement necessary from local authorities, energy network companies and local public sector health bodies NEA also stresses that the new powers must be explicit that sensitive information regarding household income, benefit entitlements and energy costs should only be used for the purpose of directly improving the welfare of the individuals whose data is being shared For more information contact Peter Smith, Director of Policy and Research peter.smith@nea.org.uk
Ofgem update CMA implementation plan https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/gas/retail-market/market-reviewand-reform/implementation-cma-remedies Current PPM installation charges under warrant can range from 200-900. Ofgem proposed changes: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgemproposes-capping-prepayment-meter-warrant-charges-indebtedconsumers
Ofgem update Ofgem have also released draft proposals for a new vulnerability principle when moving towards introducing Principle Based Regulation (PBR) https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-andupdates/future-retail-market-regulation-working-paperbroad-principles
Ofgem confirm changes to Priority Services Register PSR Following previous consultations Ofgem has announced their decision to modify distribution and supply gas and electricity licences to formalise arrangements for a new PSR. Changes will come into effect on and from 1 January 2017. Changes are designed to better reflect Ofgem s Consumer Vulnerability Strategy and the move to principles-based regulation. NEA will make sure to work with you next year to track these changes to the PSR and raise issues with Ofgem, where necessary.
Touching the voids report: The impact of energy efficiency on landlord income and business plans Along with Rockwool and British Gas, NEA sponsored a new piece of research with Sustainable Homes Sets out to investigate whether energy efficiency improvements to homes that reduce energy bills provide any reduction in voids, rent arrears and other costs faced by landlords Inspired by examples from different social landlords that rent arrears and void periods reduce when properties are made more energy efficient This opportunity is set alongside deep challenges for social landlords where in the last 18 months have seen rent reductions, changes to grants, the extension of Right to Buy and the transition to universal credit, with residents becoming more responsible for their finances
The results. Twenty-five social landlords managing over 500,000 homes in England and Wales supported this research They provided data on the energy efficiency of their homes as measured by the energy Performance certificate (EPC) along with rent arrears and voids data The results are very promising and have helped quantify the following impacts: There is a correlation between the energy efficiency of the homes and the number of void days. As homes become more energy efficient they are void for a shorter length of time - on average band B properties remained void for 31% less time than those in bands E and F. Administration costs are considerable for voids. Landlords with more energy efficient stock are spending less on refurbishing void homes, less on repairs and less on staff time to manage voids The levels of rent arrears experienced by landlords ranged between 3.5% and 28%, with an average of 14% and there is a correlation between length of time in arrears and energy efficiency of homes. Colder homes, especially those in band F, have on average two weeks more rent arrears than the rest of the bands each year. The highest performing band A properties spent 30% less time in arrears compared with the worst performing homes. An analysis of further costs incurred shows that time spent seeking overdue rent payments, legal costs and court costs decline by around 35% for more energy efficient homes. The report is available here: http://www.sustainablehomes.co.uk/touching-the-voids-report
Community Action on Fuel Poverty www.fuelpovertyresource.org.uk
Understanding CO Risk in Vulnerable Households Request for help NEA Research Team is seeking help from stakeholders for NEA s Gas Safety Trust-funded research project into CO risk in vulnerable households As part of Year 2 of the project (Winter 2016/17), we are seeking to distribute a short postal questionnaire to low income and vulnerable households, targeting in particular: PRS, owner occupiers, and rural areas To reach households and encourage their participation to complete the questionnaire asking forum attendees if there is an opportunity for them to help distribute the questionnaire Could involve posting out questionnaire to service users (NEA will cover costs), distributing questionnaires at your events, services, home visits etc. Seeking stakeholders who have reach to one or more of: private tenants (owner occupied or rented sector); AND/OR rural areas CONTACTS: juliette.burroughs@nea.org.uk 0207 250 8319 andy.stephenson@nea.org.uk, 0191 269 2912
FREE TRAINING Improving Energy Efficiency in Communities Energy advice training for frontline practitioners working with individuals at risk of or in fuel poverty. NEA will work with organisations to provide in-house course for their practitioners this winter (organisations must be able to guarantee 15-20 participants per course and provide a venue). Energy awareness sessions and bill management surgeries to groups of service users. NEA can work with organisations to plan and organise sessions (or to fit in with other planned events) however organisations are responsible for local promotion and ensuring attendance. Training Enquires tracy.norris@nea.org.uk tel: 0191 269 2946 Surgeries Enquiries malcolm.dove@nea.org.uk tel: 0191 269 2932
What is the Norwich Switch and Save? Collective switching occurs when a group of likeminded consumers band together to negotiate a better deal for their gas and electricity suppliers. A 3 rd party sets up the group and then negotiates a better tariff on behalf of the consumers they represent. The offer is then presented back to the group for members to decide to take action or not.
How it works
How it can help reduce fuel poverty Research showed that two thirds of registrants were from fuel poor groups Reduces fuel bills so those paying above average costs can pay less (one of the fuel poverty indicators) Holistic approach so that those who register are helped with energy efficiency measures via Cosy City and helped with income maximisation
Energy Advice: Norwich Big Switch and Save Amount of registrations in total : 17,908 people Average saving: 200+ If everyone switched the scheme would have saved 3,223,440! Just in Norwich! Open to everyone Homeowners Tenants Prepayment meters Businesses
Example of a Switch and Saver Mrs K (80 years old) was paying 110 a month on heating. She was struggling to pay her bills and keep warm all day. She registered for the switch and save and was offered a 300 saving a year. Her bills were being estimated, so when she switched over she was given back the 100 credit that she was owed. When she switched she received the warm home discount 114 off her electricity bill and was put on the priority service register. The council helped her install a smart meter, so her bills are not estimated.
Fuel Poverty: A perfect storm High energy costs Falling incomes Poor housing stock People not accessing grants Off gas properties Lack of understanding of energy markets and low levels of switching
High cost low income indicator Increasing energy costs Increasing income
Fuel poverty: risk factors The Individual Low income High fuel costs Fuel payment method Unemployed Age 16-25 year olds Older person Multi persons dependent children Medical condition The Property Age Size Poorly insulated Solid walls Inefficient heating system Off gas network Tenure private rented sector
What is happening in Norwich? Fuel poverty in Norwich 10.5% residents in fuel poverty Early 1900s terraced housing Large private rented sector Low-incomes Price of Fuel Over 80 excess deaths in Norwich each winter highest rate in Norfolk Fuel poverty is bucking the trend in Norwich and decreasing!
Fuel Poverty (Low Income, High Costs) 2011-2014
Fuel Poverty in Norwich
Our Partners
Enoch House Gas Absorption Heat Pump George Phillips Energy Initiatives Officer Colchester Borough Homes George.Phillips@cbhomes.org.uk 07779256978
FREE to attend! Tackling the effects of Climate Change. Morning Seminar & Afternoon workshops in Housing, Communities, Education, Business and Councils. Last chance to register online at www.colchester.gov.uk/brc