Smart Energy GB, the voice of Britain’s smart meter rollout, has announced a partnership with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) to reach thousands of social housing tenants across Scotland.

Every home in Scotland and the rest of Great Britain will be offered a smart meter, at no additional cost, by 2020. Smart meters bring an end to estimated bills and show people how much energy they are using in pounds and pence, in near real time. They will also make prepayment for energy cheaper and more convenient.

Smart Energy GB and the SFHA will spread the word to housing officers and their tenants through:

Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, said: “This partnership with the SFHA will play a vital role in ensuring the smart meter message reaches social housing tenants across Scotland. Smart meters will transform the way people manage and buy their gas and electricity. With more than half a million tenants living in social housing run by SFHA members this partnership could not be more important.

“Many people living in social housing may not realise that smart meters are for them but the education and training provided by this partnership will help them to understand and enjoy the benefits of this new technology.”

David Stewart, policy lead for energy efficiency and fuel poverty at the SFHA, said: “Fuel poverty is a significant issue for our members and their tenants and housing associations have worked hard to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and provide affordable warmth – our sector now has the most energy efficient homes in Scotland. The rollout of smart meters is a major infrastructure investment and provides significant opportunities to help tenants understand their energy use and access the best available tariffs.

“We are determined that our members’ tenants receive the maximum benefit from this opportunity and are delighted to have entered a partnership with Smart Energy GB to ensure our members have the training and knowledge to enable this to happen.”