The Energy Advice Support Network (EASN), funded by National Grid Group, supports organisations across England and Wales with free access to training, peer-to-peer networking, and resources to increase their confidence in delivering energy advice, with a particular focus on smart energy advice.

Training topics and resources are carefully curated to be of value in developing both foundational and advanced practitioner knowledge, making the network suitable for all expertise.

Enabling better energy advice for vulnerable households

The network was initially developed to share knowledge around giving smart energy advice. Smart technology gives people more opportunities to manage their energy use. But understanding this smart energy technology can be confusing for users and energy advisors. CSE’s head of advice, Karn Shah, said: “Vulnerable households need access to impartial energy advice – particularly advice that focuses on smart energy options such as smart tariffs and demand shifting, and on technologies such as solar PV, heat pumps and domestic batteries. The Energy Support Network will help make sure they get it.

“We will upskill members of the network by providing information, events, best practice and key resources. And we won’t just be working with the larger and more established organisations. We’ll also be bringing in small community organisations who are just starting to deliver this type of support.”

CSE is well placed to support organisations to provide high-quality smart energy advice, given our experience delivering large community grant and capacity building programmes, as well as our technical expertise providing Smart Energy Action Plans and market monitoring on the Smart and Fair Programme.

What does the network provide?

The Energy Advice Support Network is an online hub for advice providers to share their experiences, hear about important industry updates, ask questions and receive tried and tested solutions. It’s also an access point for certified training and resources, developed by experienced energy advisors. This will help network members to deliver exceptional advice and have a greater impact on their clients.

Members can expect:

• Ongoing training and knowledge sessions on energy, smart and low-carbon energy advice topics.
• Monthly networking sessions to encourage peer-to-peer support and the sharing of best practices; tailored to emerging industry changes, challenging situations and topical discussions.
• A newsletter, online forum and sharing of resources. Enabling advice providers to troubleshoot issues with their peers and access up-to-date information from the energy advice sector.

EASN is heavily influenced by its members; everyone is encouraged to highlight topics for discussion, sparking lively conversation and interesting insights from across the network. Whether someone wants to talk about smart energy, grants, policy changes, supplier engagement or effective outreach, they’ll receive knowledge, experience and support from the network.

Is the network for me?

EASN is open to anyone who works or volunteers for an organisation giving energy advice in England or Wales and is interested in enhancing the support they offer.

All of our training is focused on energy advice and smart energy advice delivery, and is tailored, providing introductory and in-depth options depending on your experience. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn from other members and discuss other topics outside of the formal training.

It’s completely free to join, and while there’s no obligation, we encourage you to attend monthly networking sessions to get the most out of your membership. These are currently scheduled for:

• The second Thursday (11 am to 12 pm) of the month
• The fourth Tuesday (1.30 to 2.30 pm) of the month

If you’re interested, please sign up here.