This new @EnergySysCat report on how we tackle fuel poverty in a smart energy world looks great, I’m excited to get stuck into it!

Smart systems need to be inclusively designed and this report explores how this can be done with vulnerable households https://es.catapult.org.uk/reports/fuel-poverty-in-a-smart-energy-world/

Now finished reading the report: it finds that while vulnerable households are confident how much they spend for their energy, they’re less confident on how much was used for the outcome they want (e.g. a warm, comfortable home). Smart systems begin to solve this problem.

The report shows how more direct control over home heat will increase the chances of households paying the price they want for their desired outcome: personal comfort. There are of course also environmental benefits to using the energy you need. There’s a but...

These innovations need to consider the needs of vulnerable households to work. Also their time/access needs. As the report says: “You can maximise the benefits your smart local energy system will deliver to vulnerable households by involving them in the design of innovations.”

This is where trusted intermediaries (like housing providers) become important. Not everyone is going to have the time, equipment, or skills to manage their home heat. That’s why the design of this solutions is so important.

All in all, a very positive report. Sits very nicely with @ofgem’s intended benefits to consumers (see here from today: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/system/files/docs/2020/07/2020_cir_final.pdf). For example: “improving identification of vulnerability and smart use of data”, and “encouraging positive and inclusive innovation”.