The Users and Retailers Group is in the process of being established as one of the REA’s cross-technology sector groups.

Main policy areas:

• Issues affecting major users of renewable energy systems
• Mass-market retailing of renewable energy products and services, and related consumer assurance issues
• Green tariffs

Participation and personnel

Subject to the bye-laws, any REA member is able to participate in any sector group.

This group comprises mainly companies which sell renewable energy products and services to the mass market or have renewable energy assets to meet their business objectives, but whose main business is not in renewable energy. This includes (but is not limited to) companies with substantial property portfolios, banks and financial institutions, major consumer brands and those with progressive environmental and CSR objectives.

Chair & Nominated Director

[To be appointed]

Responsible REA director

Susan Pelmore

Activities

The group will focus on issues affecting users and retailers for whom renewable energy is not their primary business.

It will also provide a network to connect those wishing to find sources and suppliers of renewable energy products and services with the relevant REA members.

Projects and ongoing work:

Review of the impact of renewable installations on business rates and engagement with government to ensure that the rating system does not work against renewable energy policies.

Meetings and events

It is anticipated that the Group will meet initially two to three times per annum. As a market-based group, there is inevitably linkage with a number of the REA’s technology-focussed sector groups and with the Onsite Renewables Group, so meetings will sometimes be scheduled to coincide.  There is no annual event dedicated to this group, as the main Annual Conference fulfils this requirement.