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Age UK Energy - A joint initiative between e.on and Age UK. It offers a number of benefits for customers: free energy advice, discounts on energy saving products and services, guaranteed cold weather payments of £10 for all gas and dual fuel customers (£20 for those aged 80 or over). Gas customers over 60 may also receive an additional payment based on the number of days below 0 degrees Centigrade between December and February.
BIS - Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - ministerial department of the UK Government created on June 6th 2009 by the merger of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).
BRE Environmental Assessment Method - (BREEAM) - is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the measure used to describe a building's environmental performance.
British Gas Energy Trust - The British Gas Energy Trust, which incorporates the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent Charitable Trust established in September 2004 which aims to contribute to the fight against poverty. Covering England, Scotland and Wales it is the one of the first Trusts of its kind and makes a significant difference to those in need. Grants are available to help individuals and families in need to meet arrears of energy charges and other household bills and costs. The Trust will also fund voluntary sector organisations to provide money advice services and money management education projects. The Trust is overseen by a number of independent, unpaid Trustees and is managed on a day-to-day basis by Charis, an organisation which has significant grant making experience.
Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) - An obligation on energy suppliers to achieve targets for promoting reductions in carbon emissions in the household sector.
Community Energy Solutions (CES) - a non-profit distributing organisation committed to helping to bring affordable warmth to those in off-gas communities. They look to extend gas mains supplies into these communities. Where that isn't possible, they help communities and individuals explore the wealth of new renewable energy solutions available to them.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) helps people and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors meet the twin challenges of rising energy costs and climate change. This is done by giving advice, managing innovative energy projects, training others to act, and undertaking research and policy analysis.
The Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) was created as part of the previous government's Home Energy Saving Programme. It requires gas and electricity suppliers to deliver energy saving measures to domestic consumers in specific low income areas of Great Britain. CESP has been designed to promote a 'whole house' approach and to treat as many properties as possible in defined areas. The Department for Climate Change (DECC) are responsible for setting the overall CESP target and the policy framework and Ofgem is responsible for administering the programme. It is due to run until 2012-13.
CHP - Combined Heat and Power, utilising the waste heat from electricity generation can provide more efficient and much cheaper electricity and heating for households served by community heating. Domestic CHP units for individual properties or small groups of properties are likely to be available soon.
Cold Weather Payments - Payment made during a period of exceptionally severe weather to vulnerable households on Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
Consumer Focus - The body that represents energy consumers. It replaced the National Consumer Council, energywatch and Postwatch.
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Department of Energy and Climate Change - DECC - was created in October 2008, to bring together:
* energy policy (previously with BERR, which is now BIS - the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) and
* climate change mitigation policy (previously with DEFRA - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Department for Social Development (DSD) The DSD was established in December 1999 as part of the Northern Ireland Executive. It has a strategic responsibility for urban regeneration, community and voluntary sector development, social legislation, housing, social security benefits, pensions and child support.
The Disabled Living Foundation - is a national charity that provides free, impartial advice about all types of disability equipment and mobility products for older and disabled people, their carers and families. They have created the Ask SARA (Self Assessment, Rapid Access) website that can provide useful hints and tips about ways to make your life easier, details of products that might help you, and details of where you can obtain them. Advice on heating and cooling for the elderly and disabled can be found in this section.
Domestic Energy Assessor - A domestic energy assessor (DEA) tests the energy efficiency of buildings and suggests how it can be improved.
The EDF Energy Trust Fund - the first independent energy trust fund - has donated over £1 million to individuals and close to another £1 million to organisations linking with vulnerable customers since being launched in October 2003. The Trust Fund offers advice to enable customers to manage their household finances, grants and if appropriate financial awards.
Energy Efficiency Partnership - EEP was launched in April 2000 and is facilitated by the Energy Saving Trust. The Partnership provides a mechanism to bring together all those with an interest in domestic energy efficiency. Fuel poverty is one of the topics and key interests of members. Currently there is a network of over 600 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors. By working together they aim to reduce the energy consumed by UK households as well as the number of people who are unable to sufficiently heat their homes during winter.
EPBD - The (EU) European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Directive Implementation Advisory Group (DIAG) was established in 2002 to advise the UK Government on the energy performance of buildings and the implementation of the European Energy Building Performance Directive. It has been updated over the subsequent years.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - Since October 2008 all properties - homes, commercial and public buildings - when bought, sold, built or rented need an EPC. Larger public buildings also need to display an energy certificate. The certificate will give a property an energy efficiency rating similar to a white goods energy rating. It will also include advice on further cost effective improvements that can be made.
EST Advice Centres - Agencies providing advice on the efficient use of energy to householders and small businesses. The network is overseen by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and has national coverage. They provide, on behalf of DECC, free, impartial and independent advice on energy saving measures to householders and to small businesses. Advice given in person at the centres or over the telephone and is followed up with an information pack containing a list of recommended measures, the likely costs, availability of grant aid and discounts, as well as brochures on products and details of local suppliers and installers. Your nearest ESTAC can be contacted by telephoning: FREEPHONE 0800 512 012.
Energy Assistance Package - The Energy Assistance Package is a holistic package to help maximise incomes, reduce fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes in Scotland. It replaces the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes.
Energy Saving Trust (EST) - A non-profit making company originally set up by Government and the major energy companies. Its purpose is to work through partnerships towards the sustainable and efficient use of energy in the domestic and small business sectors.
Energy Efficiency Hotline - This is an Energy Saving Trust initiative available to all households and can provide a range of information and advice on how to save money by saving energy. The hotline can put callers in touch with their nearest energy efficiency advice centre; provide details of local energy efficiency professionals (who can advise on heating and insulation work in the home); provide a range of information including leaflets on heating, insulation, lighting and low-cost ways to help householders save money; and direct callers to appropriate agencies. Contact the hotline on: 0800 512 012 or internet at http://www.est.org.uk/
Energy Saving Wales - This Energy Saving Wales portal website provides links to publicly funded organisations that offer energy information, advice and support to householders, public sector and business.
EU ETS - The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is a Europe wide scheme which aims to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and combat the serious threat of climate change. EU ETS puts a price on carbon that businesses use and creates a market for carbon. It has been in place since 2005 and was the first scheme of its kind in the world. The ETS now operates in 30 countries (the 27 EU Member States plus Iceland, Lichenstein and Norway).
Fuel Direct - Scheme administered by the Benefits Agency whereby householders on Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance have sums deducted from their benefit to cover current consumption and to recover debt.
Fuel Poverty - Where a combination of poor housing conditions and low income mean that the household cannot afford sufficient warmth for health and comfort. The widely accepted definition of fuel poverty is where a household needs to spend 10% or more of income to meet fuel costs. The Government is currently consulting on this definition.
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Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) can provide a clean way of heating buildings in the UK. They make use of renewable energy stored in the ground, providing one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating buildings. They are suitable for a wide variety of building types and are particularly appropriate for low environmental impact projects, however the costs are high and disruption extensive for refurbishment schemes.
Health Through Warmth - npower Health Through Warmth ® (HTW) was set up by RWE npower in 2000, working in partnership with the NHS and National Energy Action (NEA). It was a voluntary initative, above and beyond licence obligations although it now counts under the Social Action Agreement between Government and suppliers. The scheme assists vulnerable people with cold, damp related illnesses, helping to improve their levels of warmth, comfort and quality of life through the installation of home heating and insulation measures. HTW currently operates in 15 areas of England and Wales, working with local authorities, primary care trusts (PCTs), voluntary agencies and charitable organisations, bringing funding and other resources to support activities.
Heat and Energy Saving Strategy (HESS) - Policy proposals by the last Labour Government was that all homes would have access to whole house improvements by 2030, and cavity wall and loft insulation to be available for all suitable properties by 2015. Steps would be taken to encourage combined heat and power and improved use of surplus heat through carbon pricing mechanisms.
HHSRS - The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the risk assessment procedure for residential properties.
Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED) - a national database held by the EST which tracks house-by-house the sustainable energy characteristics of the UK's housing stock. It collects datasets on energy efficiency and microgeneration installations such as cavity wall insulation and solar hot water, along with property survey information such as Energy Performance Certificates. It is designed to help monitor and target carbon reduction and fuel poverty work. It is being superceded by a DECC National Energy Efficiency database.
Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) - HECA requires all UK local authorities with housing responsibilities to prepare an energy conservation report identifying measures to significantly improve the energy efficiency of all residential accommodation in their area and to report on progress in implementing the measures. The Act is being repealed under the current Energy Bill before Parliament (February 2011).
Home Improvement Agencies (HIA's) - HIA's provide independent advice and help to assist vulnerable people and those on low incomes to carry out repairs, improvements and adaptations to their home. There are over 200 HIA's operating in England, the majority of which receive Government grant support.
Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) - contains a number of indicators, chosen to cover a range of economic, social and housing issues, into a single deprivation score for each small area in England. This allows each area to be ranked relative to one another according to their level of deprivation.
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KEEP WARM KEEP WELL - The annual Keep Warm Keep Well (KWKW) campaign is aimed at financially disadvantaged older or disabled people and their carers, and families with young children on low incomes. It gives information on the health benefits of keeping warm in winter, providing advice on healthy eating and exercise, home heating and energy efficiency, and details of the grants and benefits available. The KWKW information booklet provides advice on getting financial help, saving energy and money and staying warm and healthy.
Local Energy Partnerships (LEPS) - LEPs are partnerships formed to try to bring together representatives from energy companies, local authorities, consumer groups and central government to help homeowners cut energy costs and save money.
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National Right to Fuel Campaign - The Campaign was founded in 1975. The Campaign's initial priority was an end to disconnections and today the main focus is still on the protection of disadvantaged energy consumers in the competitive energy market. The Campaign's steering group includes representatives from a wide range of voluntary and not for profit organisations.
NEESP - The National Energy Efficiency and Savings Plan will set out the actions Wales is taking to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use amongst households, communities, businesses and the public sector. It will sit as a separate document underneath the Energy Strategy which will provide the overall framework for energy policy in Wales.
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) - Established in 1971 as Northern Ireland's strategic housing authority. We offer a range of services to people living in socially rented, privately rented and owner occupied accommodation as well as supporting and working with a number of other public bodies. NIHE has funded NEA work for many years.
npower Energy Trust - similar to EDF Energy and British Gas Energy Trusts, also managed by Charis.
NVQs - National Vocational Qualifications are based on standards developed by industry with the aim of raising the standards of people's competence and giving them recognition for their skills. NVQ's in energy efficiency are jointly awarded by NEA and City and Guilds.
Ofgem - The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets is the regulatory body for the electricity and gas industries and protects the interests of consumers, ensuring they get value and choice, by promoting competition and regulating monopolies.
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PUAF - Founded in 1989, the Public Utilities Access Forum (PUAF) is an informal association of organisations which helps to develop policy on the regulation of the public utilities providing electricity, gas, communications and water services in England and Wales.
Provide Energy Efficiency Services (PEES) - This qualification is for people who provide energy efficiency advice. This is also a requirement under the Domestic Energy Efficiency Code of Practice for people who provide energy advice in a client's home.
Private Sector Renewal Grants - Discretionary grants that have been given by local authorities to help private home- owners to repair and improve their homes. Assistance can be given for a range of purposes, including work to make the property more energy efficient.
RDSAP produces an energy performance certificate and advice report that places the SAP rating on an A-G scale similar to the labels on white goods. It also provides an Environmental Rating of the property in terms of CO2 emissions, in a similar format. The report also provides an indication of costs for space and water heating and lighting, (based on the SAP) and improvement recommendations.
Real Time Displays (RTD) - Device that provides customers with information on the amount of real time electricity being consumed at any given time.
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The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) RATING - SAP is the Government's standard for home energy rating. SAP ratings provide a simple indicator of the efficiency of energy use for space and water heating in new and existing dwellings. SAP ratings are expressed on a scale of 1 (poor) to 100 (excellent).
Scottish Power Energy People Trust - The ScottishPower Energy People Trust is an independent charity established to help end fuel poverty in the UK. The Trust can provide funds for not-for-profit organisations who work with or represent the vulnerable and fuel poor to help those most in need.
Smart meters can provide customers and energy suppliers with accurate information on the amount of electricity and gas being used. They can display accurate real-time information on energy use in the home to the consumer and back to the energy supplier. Also this allows the meter to be "read" remotely, and updated for real tariffs and amounts in £ and show history type data + Gas and Electric. Plans are afoot to introduce these more widely, on a mandated basis, and NEA is supportive of this, with consumer protection protocols in place.
Social Action Plan - The Social Action Plan developed by Ofgem is a framework for action across a wide range of activities to ensure that the economic benefits of liberalisation are spread fairly among vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers. The Energy Act 2010 provides a statutory basis for mandating social action.
Solar PV - Solar electricity systems capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting. And if you have a feed-in tariff, you can export surplus electricity to the National Grid
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Warm Deal - The Warm Deal was introduced in Scotland on 1 July 1999. It provides households on benefit with a package of insulation measures up to the value of £500. This has now been REPLACED by the Energy Assistance Package - a holistic package to help maximise incomes, reduce fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes.
Warm Front Team - Warm Front is the main scheme running in England. The concept recognises the team approach needed to tackle fuel poverty at local level and the need for partnerships between Government, local authorities, health workers, caring organisations and the energy utility companies to ensure effective delivery of all schemes available to help the fuel poor.
Warm Homes Initiative - The Scheme provides grants for low-income households in Northern Ireland. It came into operation on 1st April 2001, installations commenced in July 2001. The Warm Homes Initiative replaces the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme (DEES).
Warm Zones - CIC is NEA's wholly owned subsidiary company which draws together local partnerships involving energy utilities, local authorities and voluntary groups in a co-ordinated effort to tackle fuel poverty in defined areas in a systematic way.