Identifying and collaborating with other local actors that are offering support to households in vulnerable situations can be vital for energy communities practising energy solidarity.
ECs cannot be everywhere at once, or all things to all people. Getting to know other local actors and formalising joint efforts may help ECs better understand the context in which they operate. It can also serve to expand and/or validate the list of alert signals and get more people to keep their senses tuned.
Establish a referrals network
People living in situations of energy poverty are often vulnerable in many other ways as well. In practicing energy solidarity, ECs should be conscious of this reality and actively seek ways to bring holistic approaches. This does not imply having the expertise to address any and all problems. Rather, it means being highly informed of what entities are best placed to help in what ways – and collaborating to do so in efficient and effective manners. Which raises the need to establish effective referrals networks internally and at the local level. The network might include a wide range of actors.
An effective referrals network serves a dual purpose. First, it should track EC engagement with vulnerable households over the full course of delivering energy-related assistance. Second, it should provide easy access to other services and service providers relevant to the household’s situations and needs.
Ideally, referral networks work both (or multiple) ways. As well as accepting referrals for people who are likely to be facing energy poverty, ECs can point people towards relevant services offered by others. While time-consuming to set up, the value of a referrals network lies in the ability to leverage connections to deliver holistic support. They can exponentially increase awareness of energy poverty and, in turn, an EC’s reach and impact. They can also serve as a feedback loop between the EC and target groups. This ensures that the implemented solutions are continuously monitored and adapted based on real-time feedback, improving their effectiveness and relevance.
Building energy solidarity into holistic service delivery
ECs making initial contact with other service providers may find themselves to be ‘newcomers’ to a well-established local network. But awareness of energy poverty may be low and services may be lacking. The opportunity to learn more and expand the range of services to vulnerable people is likely to be welcomed and creates a valid reason for ECs to ‘knock on doors’ and introduce themselves. Initial contact may be with managers or executives who have decision-making authority, but the ultimate aim should be to connect with frontline workers. A critical point to consider before making contact is to assess, to the extent possible, how other local organisations are perceived – i.e. are they trusted – by the target groups.
ECs should be aware that setting up a referrals network requires substantial time and human resources. The upfront investment, however, delivers substantial benefits over the long term.
Click through to other blogs related to ‘identity and engage’: