What is the project about?
Guidelight tackles a critical challenge in the energy sector’s move to Net Zero by recognising the diverse needs of energy consumer. Many low-income households lack the skills for utilising low carbon technology services like time-of-use tariffs and digital tools, despite initiatives such as the Green Homes Grant. This gap in guidance and support not only hinders smart energy practices but can also result in financial penalties, impacting customer vulnerability and straining energy networks.
Guidelight has evolved through a Discovery Phase, recognising the urgency for an integrated approach to energy retrofitting. It combines technological innovations with an understanding of household practices, resulting in the development of an Open Access Toolkit of socio-technical Interventions. This toolkit, collaboratively designed with a Community Research Group (CRG), including installers, local authorities (LAs), social housing providers, and vulnerable households, aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the retrofit lifecycle.
During the Discovery Phase, active engagement with stakeholders and energy communities highlighted six key challenges, including unclear messaging, distrust of grants, limited familiarity with LCTs, insufficient information, inadequate consideration of vulnerabilities, and a lack of comprehensive follow-up guidance. Leveraging insights from relevant projects like Socially Green, the upcoming Alpha phase will focus on addressing digital exclusion and overcoming these challenges. Guidelight’s mission is to enhance coordination between energy networks, stakeholders, and utilities, narrowing the gap between consumer segments and ensuring an inclusive transition to smart energy practices.
