April 1 – As UK households brace themselves for increased energy, water and council tax bills starting this week, the English Football League (EFL) and Smart Energy GB have extended their partnership to support football fans in managing rising energy costs.
With energy prices set to rise by £111 in April, bringing the typical dual-fuel household energy bill to £1,849 per year, Smart Energy GB and the EFL aim to provide fans with practical solutions through the ongoing rollout of smart meters.
The partnership, which started in 2022, is set to continue for another year and will help fans better understand their energy consumption and control rising costs at a time when household budgets are being stretched by the increasing cost of living.
Over the past two years the initiative has reached around 740,000 individuals through community programmes and events at EFL clubs. Now, with two-thirds of UK households using smart meters, this technology allows consumers to see real-time energy usage and ensure accurate billing, which is crucial when every penny counts.
As part of the deal, Smart Energy GB will continue to engage supporters at major EFL events, like the finals at Wembley Stadium, while also hosting outreach programmes nationwide. By leveraging football’s massive reach, the partnership aims to drive greater adoption of smart meters and empower fans to take control of their energy costs in an increasingly volatile market.
EFL chief commercial officer Ben Wright said: “We look forward to continuing the work between the EFL, EFL in the Community and the network of 72 clubs and club charities to reach people in low-income areas and those who may find digital technology more challenging. The partnership between the EFL and Smart Energy GB is part of the wider work being done by the League, EFL in the Community and our clubs to make changes across the game in environmental sustainability.”
Smart Energy GB deputy director of specialist audiences Phillippa Brown added: “The EFL, the clubs and their charitable arms play a vital role in creating real engagement with local communities, reaching people where they feel most connected – through their football clubs. We’re very excited to continue working closely with them in 2025. By harnessing the power of trusted voices within the game, we hope this partnership will help more vulnerable households across England and Wales feel the financial and environmental benefits of smart meters.”
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