AgilityEco

Challenge:

Fuel poverty in the UK now affects an estimated 6.7 million households. This has been driven by rising energy prices and is exacerbated by the current cost-of-living crisis, meaning many households are more likely to have to choose between ‘heating or eating’. The vulnerability of less affluent families to rising costs means that cost savings are vital in order to mitigate the impact of these increases.

Approach:

AgilityEco delivers support to households who are living in fuel poverty across Britain. Its innovative services include providing energy-efficiency measures such as insulation and heat pumps, replacing inefficient appliances to reduce bills and advising on the availability of financial support to mitigate rising energy costs. The business operates nationwide, with over 200 different partnerships: collaborating with local authorities, energy providers, social housing providers, charities and social enterprises. Among other initiatives, the team has created community-based programmes to better engage with and reach more households at risk, including its award-winning Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP).

LEAP is made up of dedicated staff who can assess and refer those living in or at risk of fuel poverty to relevant organisations, whose services can help reduce costs. Referrals are followed up by a member of the LEAP team, who can offer tailored advice – for example guidance around income, benefits or debt - and assist those who are eligible with the Warm Home Discount scheme and the Priority Services Register. In tackling fuel poverty with its energy efficiency and low carbon services, AgilityEco is also helping prepare Britain’s homes for Net Zero.

Revenue Model:

AgilityEco delivers its programmes and services in partnership with energy providers, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), National Grid, local authorities and others; its expertise and knowledge on energy policy makes it a valuable partner.

The business channels funding from a wide range of sources including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), Warm Homes Discount (WHD), the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) funding, to help reduce carbon emissions for people across the country – particularly those living in fuel poverty. Investment from Bridges Inclusive Growth Fund, a patient capital vehicle managed by Bridges Fund Management, has helped the organisation scale and innovate to generate more positive impact.

Impact:

AgilityEco’s programmes have generated significant impact for participants. From 2021-2022, the business provided almost 99,000 energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and heating improvements, generating over £169 million worth of total lifetime bill savings for individuals. On average, this equates to £5,613 in total lifetime savings per household, providing much needed financial relief.

The environmental benefits of Agility Eco’s work are also significant: from 2021-2022, its activities generated over 2.3 million MWh of lifetime energy savings and abated 513,710 tonnes of lifetime CO2 emissions.

The business has also unlocked £61 million of funding for clients and partners and supported almost 800 jobs in local companies, charities and social enterprises.