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History of Smart & Fair


The Smart & Fair programme was born in 2019 out of a crucial observation: as our energy system evolves to meet net zero climate targets, we risk leaving vulnerable consumers behind.

Funded by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks and National Grid Electricity Distribution, we set out to ensure that the transition to a smart, flexible energy system would be equitable for all. You can read more about this in our thought-piece about leaving no one behind.

Evolution of our approach

Over the years, our focus has evolved from identifying potential inequalities to actively developing solutions.


Key Milestones

2019 Launch and initial research

Programme inception
Development of the Smart Energy Capabilities Lens

2020 Expanding our focus

Publication of the Smart & Fair Report 1
Initiated research on consumer archetypes
Began collaboration with energy advice sector

2021 Tools and methodologies

Prototyped the Energy Choices Tool
Joined the HOMEflex project on domestic flexibility code of conduct

2022 Deepening industry engagement

Expansion of advisory board
Development of the smart energy capabilities dataset
Piloted Smart Energy Action plan

2023 Scaling impact

Demand Flexibility Service evaluation
Developed the consumer building blocks for ESO’s Future Energy Scenarios
Refreshed the consumer archetypes for Ofgem

2024 Scaling our approach

Publication of Smart & Fair Report 2
Established market monitoring with public webinar series
HOMEflex Compliance Scheme research report
Launch of the Energy Choices Tool beta version


Significant partnerships

Our work has been strengthened through collaborations with:

These partnerships have been crucial in ensuring our work remains grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities.

Smart & Fair into the future

As we continue our Smart & Fair journey, we remain committed to our founding principle: ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a smart, low-carbon energy system.

Learn more about our current focus areas.