Developing the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Network into a Sustainable Energy Network

Panel: Panel 1. Strategies and integrated policies

Authors:
Colin Timmins, Energy Saving Trust
Susan Crowley, Energy Saving Trust

Abstract

The UK Government's energy strategy sets out targets for carbon savings through household energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon transport. The most attractive way for Government to achieve this scale of carbon saving in the housing and vehicle sector is to encourage individuals and group decision makers to choose sustainable energy options in their purchasing decisions and by changing their behaviour.

To achieve such a step change in public awareness of and action on sustainable energy EST is proposing to develop the existing UK-wide network of 52 Energy Efficiency Advice Centres (EEACs) into a Sustainable Energy Network (SEN) covering energy efficiency, renewable energy and transport. Three centres to pilot this concept will be set up in January 2005.

The SEN will be a network of autonomous local management agencies working in conjunction with national activity to provide:

A high profile marketing campaign working to raise the awareness of 5 million customers (a fifth of all UK households) per year and motivating them to take action.
A free and impartial sustainable energy advice and information service providing customers with solutions and linking them to available incentive schemes.
Support and facilitation activities to provide a cohesive, co-ordinated sustainable energy infrastructure that makes it easy for customers to take action.