Conference Programme

09.30AM – Registration and Exhibition

10AM – Opening address

• Ben Saltmarsh, Head of Wales, National Energy Action
• Compère: Maisie Chatfield, Policy and Campaigns Officer, National Energy Action

10.15AM – Spotlight: Sponsors

• Sophie Shorney, Engagement and Social Impact Manager, Wales & West Utilities
• Jonathan Cosson, Chief Executive, Warm Wales

10.25AM – Views from the frontline: where are we now?

Fuel poverty is a deep, systemic issue in Wales. After five years of persistently high energy prices, many find themselves in deep poverty and debt simply from trying to stay warm and keep the lights on. Join this panel to hear expert perspectives on the ongoing impacts and road ahead to support those most in need.

• Chair: Danni Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive, National Energy Action
• Mabli Jones, Head of Policy (Poverty), Bevan Foundation
• Lindsey Kearton, Head of Advocacy (Wales), Citizens Advice Cymru
• Gemma Baker, Policy and Performance Manager, Pembrokeshire County Council

11.30AM – Break and Exhibition

12PM – Spotlight: NEA Training and Education

• Chris Ellis, Head of Training and Development, National Energy Action

12.05PM – Ministerial Address: priorities for the new Senedd term

Keynote address and interview with Sioned Williams MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality.

In conversation with Ben Saltmarsh, the Deputy First Minister will discuss her priorities for the new Senedd term and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

1PM – Lunch and Exhibition

2PM – Breakout sessions

Pick from one of three breakout sessions:

1. Energy debt: clearing the decks

Energy debt is at record levels. Estimated to reach up to £7 billion across GB by the end of the year, what action is required to meaningfully tackle the challenge for the benefit of financially vulnerable households, consumers and industry? Join this panel for a debate on the best route forward.

• Chair: James Mabey, Policy Analyst, National Energy Action
• Rosie Nurse, Policy Manager, Energy UK
• Emily Whitford, Senior Public Policy Advocate, StepChange
• Speaker TBC, Ofgem

2. Getting heat pumps right: common failures and quality assurance

Heat pumps are set to play a prominent role in domestic heating. Join this practical session to learn more about the lived experience of low-income households with heat pumps, and the factors that determine whether installation succeeds or fails.

• Codrina Cretu, Senior Mission Manager, Nesta
• Matthew Jones, Project Co-ordinator (Energy), Bristol City Council

3. Interactive advice-focused workshop

An interactive workshop aimed at frontline and community-facing practitioners. This session will look at tackling fuel poverty through a rural-lens, exploring the unique barriers often facing rural households, groups that may be underserved by existing support, and consider how services and programmes can be better tailored to rural communities.

• Chair: Laura Beesley, Regional Development Manager, National Energy Action
• Facilitators: Rebecca Jones and Gareth Thomas, Project Development Co-ordinators, National Energy Action

2.45PM – Break and Exhibition

3.15PM – Spotlight: Retrofit Hubs

• Ariane Massey, Home Retrofit Consultant, National Energy Action

3.20PM – The future of retrofit in Wales: more than just measures

Upgrading fuel poor homes remains one of Wales’ biggest challenges. It is essential to tackling fuel poverty, reducing emissions, and improving health. As ambitions for retrofit grow, how can programmes go further and faster while delivering better outcomes for those most in need? Join this panel to explore the future of retrofit in Wales and approaches involved to make it a success.

• Chair: Matt Copeland, Interim Director of Policy, National Energy Action
• Rhiannon Phillips, Head of Residential Decarbonisation and Standards, Welsh Government
• Liz Lambert, Sustainable Development Group Leader, Cardiff Council
• James Williams, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sero

4.15PM – Closing remarks

• Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action
• Ben Saltmarsh, Head of Wales, National Energy Action

4.30PM – Close