The 'Smarten Up, Power Down' initiative will work with households across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Derbyshire to examine how the introduction of smart and high-tech energy saving solutions can be used to achieve long-term cuts in energy bills and encourage the uptake of energy saving measures.
Over twelve months, the charity will work intensively with 18 fuel poor households whose income has been significantly reduced by the recent economic downturn to reduce their energy bills. The project will trial smart and high-tech technologies such as Google Nest heating controls, Envirovent intelligent extractor fans, AirEx smart air bricks and Radbots, an occupancy sensing radiator controller. These will be applied alongside other tried and tested solutions and Marches Energy Agency will work with the participants to track and monitor their usage and savings.
Guidance materials and 'How to' videos will be created to offer advice and signposting services, helping people to save money and gain confidence in using smart technologies. In addition, 20 frontline energy advice workers will be trained and upskilled in the use of new smart measures, benefiting potentially thousands of households as part of the charity's core activity.
Phil Newcombe, Project Manager at Marches Energy Action explains why the project is necessary: Mainstream training and funding around reducing fuel poverty has yet to take full advantage of smart and high-tech measures. One key barrier is often people's access and attitudes towards technology and innovation.
As deferred energy payments mount, heating costs rise and time spent at home increases as a result of the COVID pandemic, persistent debt and an inability to meet necessities will be a reality; for some perhaps for the first time. Many of this group will have greater access to technology and with the right support and funding, will be open to adopting new approaches to energy saving.
These savings are expected to be sustained year on year and will help demonstrate the clear need for integration of smart and innovative technologies into national fuel poverty programmes. The impact of the 'Smarten Up, Power Down' project will be used to advocate for better funding and training across the sector.
One participant who suffers from health problems is already seeing the benefits of some of the measures, both to their wellbeing and finances. They commented: My asthma has got worse due to damp and the indoor humidity is high which is very bad for asthmatics. 2020 was horrible and my lung damage frightening, but the extractor fan and finally getting the loft lagging is wonderful to me. Old houses can be cranky to live in and they need looking after too, it will appreciate the project as will the bills! Thanks again for all your help, I do very much appreciate it. Many thanks also for organising the LEAP home visit last week, he put Heatsaver panels behind the radiators and brushes on the doors. It all helps and the vent is doing its job so I'm very happy.
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: 1 in 10 households across the country are in fuel poverty and the impact of the COVID pandemic is likely to see that number rise over the coming year. The 'Smarten Up, Power Down' project offers an innovative new approach to tackling a growing problem, using practical solutions to generate significant, sustainable energy cost savings.
We’re delighted to support Marches Energy Agency with this initiative which will not only directly benefit several vulnerable households but will hopefully also be the catalyst for adopting new national strategies to help lift people out of fuel poverty. Projects like this have a huge part to play in engaging everyone in the transition to net-zero, ensuring no one if left behind in the drive to a greener, more sustainable energy future.
Marches Energy Agency deliver practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty and cold homes, promote energy reduction and encourage the uptake of renewable energy. For more information on the services offered, visit www.mea.org.uk
