• Swindon & Wiltshire Social
• Monday January 13 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Good Energy become first energy company to be accredited with national accessibility standard in industry first

Renewable energy supplier Good Energy’s focus on improving digital accessibility has been accredited by Shaw Trust Accessibility Services, a charity which provides employment opportunities, skills development training and health and wellbeing services across the UK.

The trust has recognised the high accessibility standards of Good Energy’s online customer portal and mobile app.

The Chippenham-based renewable energy supplier is the first of its kind to achieve the coveted accreditation, joining accessibility-focused organisations such as Motability and the National Institute for Health Research.

Good Energy’s customer portal and mobile app were put to the test by Shaw Trust’s team of assessors, who have lived experience of navigating the digital world with a disability.

Their expert guidance enabled Good Energy to make improvements to its app and customer portal, in line with the UK government’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2, which ensure that websites are accessible to a wide range of people with disabilities.

Improvements include new features which make it easier for a wide range of people with disabilities to use the online portal and app, such as adaptive display options allowing customers to switch between light and dark mode, customisable text, enhanced zoom capabilities, screen reader compatibility, quick navigation, and keyboard and speech recognition navigation.

James Rees, director of product and propositions, Good Energy said: “We believe that everyone should have equal access to our services, and this achievement reinforces our dedication to making that a reality. Our development, digital product, and user experience teams worked closely with Shaw Trust to make improvements to our online portal and app, and this accreditation is a testament to their hard work and our ongoing commitment to accessibility.”

Joe Manock, lead commercial accounts manager – health and wellbeing, Shaw Trust Accessibility Services said: “We are delighted to have supported Good Energy in meeting the highest standards of accessibility for their online customer portal and mobile app. Hidden accessibility issues can make it difficult for people to access the information and services that they need, so it’s wonderful to see organisations across the UK making a commitment to accessibility.

“As the first energy supplier to receive this award, Good Energy are leading the way in creating a more accessible digital environment for their customers and service users.

“We hope this is a sign of great things to come for the energy sector as a whole.”

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