In the face of ongoing high energy costs, communities across the UK are increasingly focusing on ways to help people stay warm, reduce their bills, and improve their homes. Energy advisors are on the front line, playing a crucial role in supporting people in vulnerable circumstances. At the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), we’re leveraging decades of experience in the energy advice sector to support groups to extend their reach and enhance their effectiveness.

We’re providing vital resources and expert support for advice groups by managing grant schemes like the National Grid’s Energy Affordability Fund (EAF).

In just twelve months, through CSE’s strategic support and management of the EAF, we’ve helped:

• Over 3,100 households find relief from fuel poverty.
• People save more than £1,151,000 in total on energy bills.
• Train 480 front-line workers to make energy advice referrals.

These numbers represent real changes in people’s lives – warmer homes, reduced stress, healthier homes and lower bills. And these results are from just one of our schemes. There’s also the SGN Safe and Warm Scheme and the NGN Affordable Warmth and Safety Scheme that operate in different areas.

But our approach is not just about distributing funds. It’s about building a resilient, innovative network of energy advisors capable of tackling the complex challenges of fuel poverty and climate change.

With over two decades of experience in managing grant schemes, we’ve developed a robust framework for fund distribution and project support. This ensures resources are allocated to areas of high need, with high impact.

Here’s how we’re making it happen…

Reaching new audiences with fuel poverty advice

More and more people in the UK need energy advice, and sadly many don’t access the help they require. CSE supports organisations to develop and test new ways to reach people who might otherwise slip through the net.

Through the EAF, we supported organisations to expand their audiences in South Wales, South West England and the Midlands.

In North Devon, 361 Energy partnered with a refugee charity to reach new migrants. With the help of community translators, 361 Energy advisors supported refugee families to learn the basics of radiators, thermostats and avoiding mould. This is essential knowledge for people accustomed to different heating or cooling needs!

Meanwhile in Dorset, GPs and nurses were trained by energy advisors to recognise signs of fuel poverty and health issues made worse in cold homes. Exeter Community Energy advisors worked alongside the GP staff to review cases, providing energy advice to vulnerable people who were unlikely to reach out for energy support themselves.

Cwm Arian Renewable Energy discovered that people in Pembrokeshire were being targeted with advertising for new heating systems. The new systems were being installed with little instruction, leaving households confused and struggling to use their new systems effectively. Energy advisors plugged the gap, reaching out to households to help them understand their new heating controls, and encouraging others to critique the marketing of contractors.

Supporting innovation in energy advice

Low carbon technology and smart technologies are key to a smart and fair shift from fossil fuels. But including emerging technologies in fuel poverty advice can be difficult.

We see a clear shift in public opinion against Smart Meters, however the roll out is out of their control.

Geraint, project manager at Swansea MAD (Make A Difference)

Addressing misinformation and mistrust about low carbon and smart energy options is essential. As trusted messengers, energy advisors play a critical role in equipping people to access beneficial new technologies and market offers, speeding up the UK’s transition to a fairer, greener energy system.

To support energy advisors, CSE has developed tools like Smart Energy Action Plans. These help connect people in fuel poverty with appropriate smart or low carbon technology options. We’ve upskilled funded organisations to either refer clients to CSE or provide this advice directly.

CSE is well-placed to support energy advice organisations across the UK

Our twin mission to tackle fuel poverty and the climate crisis makes us an ideal partner for energy advice organisations across the UK.

As we face the challenges of transitioning to a lower carbon energy system, CSE is committed to:

• Fostering innovation in service delivery and client engagement.
• Ensuring efficient use of resources to maximise impact.
• Bridging the gap between traditional energy advice and emerging smart technologies.

Our approach to grant fund management ensures that every pound invested translates into tangible benefits for communities. We help advice groups overcome resource constraints and focus on what they do best – reaching those most in need of energy support.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient network of energy advice services to combat fuel poverty and drive the UK towards a sustainable energy future.