Energy Projects Plus hosted its 2nd annual Merseyside Fuel Poverty Conference at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on Wednesday 1st October 2014.
The conference was attended by 70 delegates who heard from a mix of great speakers, experts in their respective fields:
- Alan Clifford, Fuel Poverty Strategy Lead, Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC)
- Rachel Wookey, Environmental Public Health Scientist, Public Health England
- Steve Lauri, Business Development Account Manager, Energy Efficiency, E.ON UK
- Ed Matthew, Director, Energy Bill Revolution
- Ed Kingsley, Principal Housing Strategy Officer, Wirral Council
The primary aim of the conference was to bring together key stakeholders in the fight against fuel poverty, which continues to be a significant issue across Merseyside, creating the opportunity to influence local and national plans as they are being developed.
The conference was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders that included local authorities, utilities, housing providers, health sector, charities, social enterprises, and private businesses.
Alan Clifford, from DECC, said
“It was great to be invited and meet so many people clearly concerned about fuel poverty, and wanting to help make a difference. It was also good to hear so many ideas being generated and nuggets of insight and expertise being shared. As I said, the forthcoming Strategy is just one step in the process, and we look forward to continuing to work with you – formally and informally – as we shape the next generation of fuel poverty policies.”
Following the morning plenary session, delegates participated in highly interactive discussions to share opinions on a response to some key questions asked by the Government’s consultation on their proposed fuel poverty strategy.
Feedback from delegates has been extremely positive with overwhelming confirmation of the value of the conference. One delegate commented,
“It brings expertise together and allows us to meet others and share ideas and information”
Building on the positive feedback from the conference we intend hosting the 3rd annual conference in early Autumn 2015, enabling us to build it around emerging themes of the new Government and the published fuel poverty strategy.
For more information on the event contact:
Ellie Abernethy
Project Manager 0151 637 3686
ellie.abernethy@epplus.org