NEA welcomes Government announcement of a Big Energy Saving Network
Today’s announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that it will be providing £900,000 in 2013/14 to fund the creation of the ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ as part of the Government’s response to the discussion document ‘ensuring a better deal for energy consumers’ is welcomed by the UK fuel poverty charity, NEA.
Even with an effective competitive market and all the measures Government has in place to help people improve their energy efficiency, vulnerable consumers will need extra help and advice to engage with the energy market and to give them the confidence to take decisions that will reduce their bills.
NEA welcomed yesterday’s announcement that fuel poverty numbers had decreased in 2011, but while the figures appear to show some limited progress, fuel poverty figures for 2012 and 2013 have not been released and the Government’s figures show that the problem for those that do suffer has got deeper. Initiatives such as this are therefore welcome in utilising trusted third sector agencies to direct action at the most vulnerable consumers.
The Network will build on the work of existing support networks, but will seek to provide a clearer focus on encouraging vulnerable consumers to take action, by:
· developing and agreeing key messages;
· developing the capability of advisors through training on tariffs, switching and how to access energy efficiency programmes;
· identifying best practice in targeting and delivering outreach events to vulnerable consumers;
· working to identify other national and local organisations to extend the reach of advice provision;
· deliver switching, tariff and energy efficiency advice directly to consumers through suitably trained trusted intermediaries.
NEA Chief Executive, Jenny Saunders OBE said:
“NEA is delighted to be named by Ed Davey as a member and looks forward to being part of the Government's new Big Energy Saving Network. By pooling our collective knowledge and resources we can assist more vulnerable households save money on their energy bills and access energy efficiency measures and advice. Government has responded to our calls for extra help for disadvantaged customers to take advantage of the changes it is introducing through reforms to the competitive energy market. "
Notes to editors
NEA is the national charity campaigning for affordable warmth in the homes of vulnerable people. For further details visit www.nea.org.uk
The Government response to the discussion document “Ensuring a better deal for energy consumers” is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ensuring-a-better-deal-for-energy-consumers-decc-discussion-document
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