The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2014/15 Big Energy Saving Network, a £1 million programme of training, support and grant funding for eligible third sector organisations and community groups to deliver an extensive programme of outreach to vulnerable consumers, focussed on helping them reduce their energy costs through assisted action on tariffs, switching and the take up of energy efficiency offers.
There is considerable evidence that vulnerable consumers are often among those that are the most disengaged from the energy market and often lack the confidence necessary to save money by taking action on tariffs, switching and energy efficiency.
In May 2013, DECC announced £900,000 funding to create the Big Energy Saving Network following proposals put forward in a DECC Discussion Document: ‘Ensuring a better deal for energy consumers2’, to help vulnerable consumers engage with the energy market.
DECC proposed the establishment of a co-ordinated Network of voluntary organisations and community groups that work proactively with trained energy advisers, to support vulnerable consumers in engaging with the energy market. The Big Energy Saving Network aims to complement campaigns such as Energy Best Deal in bringing together trusted third sector and community bodies to provide targeted, personalised advice that can help bring down the energy costs of some of the UK’s most vulnerable consumers.
One of the central aims of the Big Energy Saving Network is to go beyond the provision of advice. Outreach sessions are not only about providing help, advice and information; sessions are designed to enable vulnerable consumers to take action, wherever possible at the outreach event itself or through follow-up activity.
Individual grants will be awarded to properly constituted organisations who have nominated a suitably qualified ‘Champion’ in each bid. Each ‘Champion’ will also need to recruit and train at least 2 further volunteers to help deliver the programme of outreach set out in the bid documentation.
The grant funding is expected to cover the costs of administering and organising the work of the ‘Champion’ and their volunteers for the lifetime of the project (all activities must have been completed by 13 March 2015).
Funding for this grant is only available during the financial year 2014/15 for activities ending Friday 13 March 2015.
Eligible third sector organisations must be legally constituted organisations and includes:
• Charities
• Parish Councils
• Community Interest Companies
• Community Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies (Industrial and
Provident Societies)
• Voluntary Associations
• Development Trusts
• Faith Groups
• Registered Social Landlords
For further information and to apply, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/big-energy-saving-network-grant-offer-fund, or email: [email protected]
Deadline: Friday 8 August 2014, 5pm