Workshop: Understanding the invisible work behind smart energy transitions: 2nd July 10am-4pm (Bristol, location TBC)
Are you a community group involved in Smart Local Energy Systems?
Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) are increasingly becoming part of the repertoire of projects that community groups deliver. These systems are essential for transitioning to a decentralised, low-carbon energy system at scale, yet they require a lot of human effort - from participating households and community groups - to succeed.
Types of SLES projects include:
- Developing micro-grids
- Retrofitting and optimising technologies like solar PV, batteries, and heat pumps
- Participating in local demand-shifting initiatives or tariffs
- Providing smart energy advice (e.g. smart meters)
The Centre for Sustainable Energy, University of Sussex, and King’s College London have started a 2.5-year ESRC-funded research project exploring the often-overlooked work involved in SLES. One key focus is how community groups support households through helping them use to energy technologies, navigate digital tools, understand metering and billing, and adapt daily routines and tasks.
To kick off our project, we’re inviting community practitioners to a workshop to shape the research framework, share valuable insights, and inform our case study selection.
We will be fully reimbursing participants for their time and expertise, including travel, accommodation and a stipend.
Why attend?
- Gain important insights into the work that households need to do to become smart energy customers.
- Network with other community organisations involved in SLES.
- Learn key insights from recent CSE research into inclusion and fairness within the smart energy transition.
- Explore new ideas and approaches to better support and value household and community work in SLES.
- Potential to become one of our case studies and connect to our ongoing research.
Given there are limited spaces available, please get in touch with louise.hosegood@cse.org.uk to discuss your organisation’s interest.
You can find out more about this project on CSE’s website.