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Link to Energy
Published on 21 November 2018
United Kingdom
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Registered installer members are able to offer a full range of energy efficiency and renewable energy improvement measures to domestic, business and communities across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. This includes everything from loft and cavity wall insulation to external insulation, gas boilers, heat pumps, solar panels and cooling systems for businesses.
Supply chain members typically offer self-installed measures such as LED lighting and chimney balloons. It is also possible to view and order technologies such as solar batteries and heat batteries.
Of the 137 members, the vast majority are based within Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. Each Local Authority area within Gloucestershire has installer or supplier members represented, ensuring that local economies are benefiting from improvements being made to homes and businesses.
Regular networking and information events are provided to support all registered Link to Energy installers. These are held quarterly, though additional events have also been included when new incentives or funding schemes have dictated that more information would be useful to local installers.
As of January 2017, The Link to Energy website has 122 registered installer members and 15 supply chain members.
Supply chain members typically offer self-installed measures such as LED lighting and chimney balloons. It is also possible to view and order technologies such as solar batteries and heat batteries.
Of the 137 members, the vast majority are based within Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. Each Local Authority area within Gloucestershire has installer or supplier members represented, ensuring that local economies are benefiting from improvements being made to homes and businesses.
Regular networking and information events are provided to support all registered Link to Energy installers. These are held quarterly, though additional events have also been included when new incentives or funding schemes have dictated that more information would be useful to local installers.
As of January 2017, The Link to Energy website has 122 registered installer members and 15 supply chain members.
Resources needed
Previously the Link to Energy network had been funded by the local government but now relies on referral fees set at 3% (+VAT) of the total value of the work completed. This rate allowed us to draw a small income whilst not penalising the installer or consumer.
Evidence of success
Link to Energy Installers have supported 353 households as direct referrals from Severn Wye Energy Agency between April 2013 and April 2017. The value of these installations amounts to £1,333,297.40.
In 2012, Link to Energy was selected as an exemplar service by the ‘Green Skills Alliance’ (made up of the UK Sector Skills Councils) for developing best practice around skills, training and innovation for the low carbon audience.
In 2012, Link to Energy was selected as an exemplar service by the ‘Green Skills Alliance’ (made up of the UK Sector Skills Councils) for developing best practice around skills, training and innovation for the low carbon audience.
Potential for learning or transfer
o The time and finance required to design and launch an online portal that allows customers in a specific area to find and contact appropriate local accredited installers
o The ongoing required management of the service to ensure the success of relationships made between installers and customers
o The ongoing promotion of the site to ensure the service presence in the area it serves
o The ongoing required management of the service to ensure the success of relationships made between installers and customers
o The ongoing promotion of the site to ensure the service presence in the area it serves
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Severn Wye Energy Agency
United Kingdom
Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area
Contact
Partnerships and Communities Coordinator