switching household energy tariffs research study by (in partnership) a movable feast, age uk, kc...
TRANSCRIPT
Switching household energy tariffs
Research study by (In partnership)A Movable Feast,
Age UK, KC social council, Nucleus and London South Bank University
Objectives • Provide independent advice to 150 vulnerable
households (older, BME , Single parents)
• To assess whether independent advice tariff has a better outcome
• To explore residents ambivalence to changing tariffs ( inc barriers)
• To identify any particular relevant themes ( >75 years, BME , single parent
The study
• 151 households – 50 in each group across 3 boroughs
• Groups represented people spending large % of their
income in heating
• Av household income £230
• Virtually nil savings
• 62% had debts
The benefits
• Saving ( £20 – £150 pa)
• green tariffs, better customer care
• Taking control – esp iterative budgeting
Research methodology
Participative
Action Researc
h
•Researchers work with communities
•Aims to create knowledge whilst trying to change what is being investigated
•Seeks to understand and improve world by changing it
Local commun
ity groups
•Geographical spread
•Have existing clients in key groups
•Trusted
Recruiting
researchers
•Existing volunteers
•Peers•Aware of client group needs
Training
•Basic Debt advice
•Energy tariffs inc website / phone / printed
•Benefit maximisation
Process (Raised
as a part other work
•Interview on possible benefits
•Look at client’s priorities
•Joined with clients to look at best comparison method for client
•Follow up meeting after 2 weeks to look at progress
Findings
Better results with advice – esp young parents. BMEs after consultation with friends / community. Older people needed a lot more time to consider the prospect of cahnging provider.
Main • barriers - ambivalence /time/ other priorities • past experience or scepticism of benefits • too complex
Implications/findings• Better information / easier process; Market too complex • Savings need to be correctly assessed and individualised• Groups who are most likely to suffer fuel poverty ( complex
lives) are most likely to benefit from F2F advice + follow up• comparisons sites are too complex for key user groups • Needs to be a process ( time – esp older people)• Price is important to some users , customer care to others,
trust in not being the most expensive etc • Loyalty plays a big part for older users• Intervention need to be tailored for different sections
( vulnerable groups: disabled, time poor, older etc )
Recommendations
• Commission independent services to support energy tariff switching ( reduce fuel poverty)
• Prioritise funding for provision of independent advice for vulnerable consumers to make choices
• Work closely with community groups – build on relationships and reach: added value link
• consider awareness raising campaign• Consider Action research as a useful tool in working
with communities to affect change