Supporting Warm Spaces

Started

Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics)
Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Environmental, social and economic impacts)

Applied Research and Development

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Sociology)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Northern Powergrid

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 September 2024

30 June 2026

ENA months

£120,000

Power

Yorkshire & Humberside

Project Contact, Northern Powergrid

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission
Project Contact, Northern Gas Network (NGN) North East
Project Contact, Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc

Project Contact, Northern Gas Networks

The Open Maps tool is a best-in-class visualisation tool for disparate datasets concerning consumer vulnerability. It can display many types of data in a straightforward, easy-to-use tool with powerful functionality and the potential to be used across the industry. The tool is currently undergoing further development via an NIA Funded Phase 2 project which will provide additional resource availability (data), and also incorporate the use of AI and machine learning so as to enhance the tool Proof of Concept (POC). This includes utilising the tool within the context of consumer vulnerability and as a mechanism for Utility Networks to understand socioeconomic considerations within their regions.NEA will utilise an action research approach to identify methods of engaging with and supporting warm spaces. In addition, NEA will provide relevant training for warm space personnel and engagement/awareness sessions for vulnerable customers. Stage 1: Utilise Open Maps to identify warm space locations and regions of highest socioeconomic deprivation.Stage 2: Provide relevant support to the currently established warm spaces identified in stage 1. This will provide an opportunity to support/sponsor warm spaces which are serving locations of highest socioeconomic deprivation within the Yorkshire and North East regions. Research engagement strategies and methods of support in order to develop aToolkit Approach.Stage 3: Develop new warm space(s) within the Yorkshire and North East regions in preparation for winter 2025-26 and beyond. Apply learnings from Stage 1 and Stage 2, and testToolkit Approach. Stage 1: Discovery and Development Further development of the Egnida Open Maps tool. Engagement with relevant local/community stakeholders and commercial enterprises (Open Innovation, Citizens Advise). This will Maps proxy data for the determination of socioeconomic deprivation. Development of proxy data weighting method.Stage 2: Warm-Space Support, 2024-25 Utilise Open Maps to identify 40 priority warm spaces within the Yorkshire and North East regions. Identify warm space requirements for support and investigate potential support packages. Provide support for selected Warm Space organisations within the Yorkshire and North East regions. This will include community-based energy efficiency sessions. Engage with vulnerable customers and provide visibility of additional support packages available. This could include current Network support mechanisms or NIA/VCMA sponsored projects. NEA will offer training and development opportunities for selected warm space volunteers and organisations. Research on guidance and best-practice for supporting warm spaces. Research into warm space engagement and support via NEA: undertake both action research, to shape and inform the development of good practice guidance in respect to setting up and delivering Warm Spaces, and evaluation of the implementation of the guidance in future Warm Spaces.Stage 3: Warm-Space Support, 2024-25 Onboard learnings from previous Warm Space engagement. Utilise Open Maps to identify priority regions located in Yorkshire and North East regions which are not currently sufficiently serviced by a warm space. Engagement with relevant local/community stakeholders and commercial enterprises (Open Innovation, Citizens Advise). This will provide opportunity to understand local mechanisms for designing and implementing new Warm Space centres (this is likely to vary depending upon location and Local Authority). Design of mechanism/framework for developing/sponsoring new warm space(s) within the selected priority region(s). Rollout of new Warm Space(s) and associated/additional support packages. Development of final programme evaluation. Final Project Workshop to engage with warm spaces to obtain feedback/final comments on any project outputs.

This collaborative project will look to directly address the desire to support customers in vulnerable situations by supporting and improving warm space infrastructure within the Yorkshire and North East regions of England. These regions have been selected based upon the geographical coverage of the associated Network Partnerships licence areas.

02/04/25