Lightning Reach & YES Energy Solutions: Scaling energy support with a smarter, faster digital pathway

YES Energy Solutions partnered with Lightning Reach to transform how vulnerable households access energy-related support. By embedding YES’s energy scheme directly into the Lightning Reach platform, applicants could apply for financial grants, free home insulation, and tailored energy-saving advice all in one place - quickly, easily, and without repeating their personal circumstances multiple times across different systems.

The integration focused on accessibility. The journey was designed for people with low digital confidence, using simple language, clear instructions, and mobile-friendly forms. The majority (96%) applicants completed the process independently, showing the power of intuitive digital design in supporting user dignity and autonomy. For individuals who couldn’t go online, support workers were able to apply on their behalf through the same portal, ensuring no one was left behind.

A key strength of the partnership was the streamlined application process. Most users completed their applications in just four minutes, with over 85% uploading their evidence documents in the first attempt. This significantly reduced delays and administrative burden, freeing up frontline teams to focus on people with more complex needs.

The impact so far

Since launching in late 2024, more than 3,600 users on the platform have received triage calls from YES, and over 1,100 have gone on to receive in-depth personalised energy support. More than £28,000 in direct grants have been awarded, and the estimated value of the energy advice given is over £167,000. The reach and quality of referrals from Lightning Reach consistently outperformed traditional methods, and the volume of applications led to significantly more successful outcomes overall.

This digital-first approach enabled YES to engage key demographics often underserved by conventional channels. Over half of applicants were social renters. Four in ten were unable to work. Eight in ten had no household income at all. These were people often missed by standard outreach efforts; yet here, they were able to apply quickly, safely, and with confidence.

Applicants have described the experience as empowering and life-changing. One user, Charlotte, a single

mother who fell behind on rent and energy bills after losing her job due to mental health issues, received a £500 grant and energy-saving gadgets. She said, “I’ve been blown away by the amount of support I’ve had.” Another user, Annmarie, a pensioner, received £147 in energy vouchers and was surprised at how easy the application was: “I’m really old school with technology and I hate digital applications, but I managed it. It was simple and I didn’t get stressed with it.”

Behind the scenes, YES and Lightning Reach worked in lockstep, building shared tools, co-branded outreach materials, and data dashboards to monitor uptake and improve delivery. When early application numbers were lower than expected, the team identified opportunities to optimise messaging and follow-up processes, including personalised contact preferences. These refinements led to stronger engagement and better conversion.

What's next for scaling energy support

Looking ahead, both organisations are building on this success. Lightning Reach is scaling our fulfilment feature and bringing more energy providers and local schemes onto the platform. YES Energy Solutions is expanding its outreach with a mobile advice van, exploring multilingual access, and considering new technologies like video calls and virtual assistants to reach a broader range of communities.

This collaboration shows what’s possible when technology and frontline expertise come together. By simplifying access and removing barriers, the project has helped thousands of households take control of their energy needs, quickly, confidently, and with the dignity they deserve.

Join us

Want to find out more about how Lightning Reach can help your organisation? Get in touch via www.lightningreach.org/partners