The Opportunity

The objective of this Opportunity is to shortlist the submissions that best answer the brief, with the aim of attending a presentation day with the EIC Industry Partners, where it can be discussed in greater detail with a technical panel.

The EIC welcomes submissions from individual companies or companies working in collaboration with each other.

What is the Problem?

Digital exclusion remains a significant problem in the UK, with many people and communities unable to access reliable internet or develop the digital skills that are becoming increasingly important in modern society.

This is known to disproportionately affect consumers living in vulnerable circumstances, including low-income households, rural communities, people with mental health problems or people affected by frailty.

There’s a risk that as essential services such as energy management, billing or advice about the energy transition move towards digital and online, people without access to these platforms are likely to be excluded.

During emergencies, energy networks are required to communicate quickly and effectively with people, but it can be difficult to reach those who are digitally excluded. Important information can be readily available to those who are digitally proficient through social media and SMS updates, but this isn’t always the case for many vulnerable people in society.

Addressing digital exclusion requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the energy networks, and something that’s crucially important to ensure that all consumers have equitable access to important information and services.

Preferred Output

The networks supporting this call are looking for customer-focused solutions that will help improve engagement and communication with hard-to-reach people/communities.

This engagement will make use of the existing touchpoints that the networks already have with their consumers, but could also look to develop completely new ways to engage.