Look ahead to GD3
Overview of Ofgem's proposed plans:
Key points proposed in Sector Specific Methodology Consultation*:
- VCMA to remain as 'use it or lose it' allowance
- VCMA funding level to return to original GD2 equivalent (c£9m for NGN)
- Retain minimum 25% collaborative spend allowance
- FPNES scheme to close
- GDNs to support journey to Net Zero, ensuring vulnerable consumers are not left behind in the transition
*The Sector Specific Methodology Decision is expected in June 2024
Our proposed strategy:
A group jam board session took place which everyone on the workshop was invited to have their say on each of the 4 points. Click on each box to read the overall feedback to each point.
Measurement (tiered approach/impact assessment)
- NGN will continue to adopt a tiered / pyramid approach with proposed targets for each tier. This will consist of proposed targets, cost per beneficiary, reach and SROI to measure performance and assess impact. However, it is acknowledged that this needs to be simple and easy to interpret.
Collaboration and duplication
- NGN needs to continue to work in partnership with other utility partners (e.g. DNOs and water). This partnership needs to be complimentary, rather than duplication of the same support. It should also involve looking at best practices where possible.
- Example: CA Bradford and how that project was modified so NGN/Northern Powergrid could work together but fund different elements, resulting in a more holistic service provision
What else should we be considering?
- What is our role as a GDN in the journey to net zero? Eg. Advice, support, what are we best placed to do?
- Is there anything else that you think we should be doing?
- Is there anything that we are doing that we shouldn't be doing?
Measurement (tiered approach/impact assessment):
Question 1:
How else should we be measuring project proposals?
- Helpful to gather independent feedback on support that has been funded (customer satisfaction surveys). This can give unique insights that you wouldn't otherwise get.
- Proposal-wise, the measurement should be how it would impact those key demographics in the strategy
- Who else will be able to refer individuals into the scheme that is being funded - partnerships are key
Question 2:
How else should we be measuring the impact of delivery?
- Measuring quality rather than quantity - useful for more in depth support than just counting numbers
- Case study evidence is really important to share value of projects for individuals
- Do we lift people out of FP, do we help immediate crisis. How does NGN balance this?
- How much will the root cause be addressed, not just the immediate crisis - longer term plans - where is the evidence to feed back to policy makers to influence change
- CSAT survey to be offered to customers across various channels, not just telephone
- I feel we should do more measurement on improvements to mental wellbeing following an intervention and follow-up at a later date regarding any other impacts but it's difficult capacity-wise to do that
Collaboration and duplication
Question 1:
What are your thoughts on our collaborative approach?
- Cross utility collab really important - aware of restrictions of funding. Water can see who may potentially fall into hardship - opportunity for direct passporting (proactive approach)
- Making admin side easier (for partner) by teaming up - funding partners should take this burden
- Making sure that people you are collaborating with have the same values - is your vision aligned? need to be sure of this - do you want the same things?
- Collaboration saves money and time for everyone
- Collaborations is good for spreading good ideas and innovations
Question 2:
What are our strengths and how can we build upon them?
- Giving your stakeholders/partners a voice and really listening to them. Giving lots of opportunities to engage and feedback
- Face to face opportunity is really important, should do more
- How the various orgs work, this understanding of us and how we work, our clients etc is important, the building of the relationship has been fantastic
- NGNs strengths lie in its personal approach, its commitment to vulnerability and collaboration, can do attitude, ambition for impact
- NGN values stakeholders views and takes on board advice
- Involvement of organisations of all sizes
Collaboration and duplication
Question 1:
What are the areas that are consistently hard to seek funding for, or deem some groups ineligible?
- Much harder to get help towards a broken boiler
- Broken boilers gas or oil and gas safety checks - can NGN support with this?
Question 2:
Where is there duplication of funding?
- Needs to be relevant - not going too far beyond energy as it may be questionable if NGN should be funding this (as this is through consumer bills) Energy element is important
