Energy charity wins grant for smart-tech scheme

Marches Energy Agency has been granted the money by the Cadent Foundation for the Smarten Up, Power Down initiative, which will involve working with households across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin 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 12 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 videos will be created to offer advice, and 20 frontline energy advice workers will be trained and upskilled in the use of new smart measures, benefitting potentially thousands of households as part of the charity’s core activity.

Phil Newcombe, project manager at Marches Energy Agency, said: “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.”

Julia Dwyer, director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “One in 10 households across the country are in fuel poverty and the impact of the Covids 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."