The 2023 Smart Energy GB in Communities programme is now live, with grant funding and support being targeted to organisations reaching people in fuel poverty; people lacking basic digital skills; or carers.
- Grants of up to £25,000 are available for organisations that can deliver support to people in fuel poverty
- Grants of up to £15,000 are available for organisations that can deliver support to people lacking basic digital skills
- Grants of up to £10,000 are available for organisations supporting carers.
The funding aims to ensure people in the three target groups understand how a smart meter could benefit them and increase the likelihood that they will seek and accept or recommend a smart meter installation.
Smart meters are especially beneficial for vulnerable households, as they remove estimated billing and the need for manual meter readings and also enable pre-pay customers to top up their meters from home. We really need organisations like yours to help us to ensure people in vulnerable circumstances have the opportunity to engage, understand and benefit from the smart meter rollout.
We are looking for applicants that have a trusted voice in their community. As this year’s target groups are significant in size (NEA estimates 6.7 million UK households are in fuel poverty; 11 million are defined as lacking basic digital skills; and around 1 in 4 people are carers), we are seeking projects that can engage these groups at scale through a combination of direct and indirect activities.
Housing associations, local authorities, registered charities and non-registered community groups in England, Wales and Scotland are eligible to apply. Applications are also welcome from former applicants, both successful and unsuccessful.
Full details on the application process 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 contact NEA.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon, Friday 10 February 2023.
NEA aim to appoint successful projects in late March, with delivery running until 6 December 2023.