By working with local authorities, we are providing the expertise on the ground to allow community groups to not only help tackle soaring energy costs, tackle the climate emergency and support the drive towards Net Zero. We are excited to be offering Community Energy Pathways to all local authorities in England as the next step in accelerating the growth of the community energy sector.”
There are now 495 community energy groups across the UK. In 2021, community energy projects generated 331 MW renewable electricity capacity, generating 506 GWh of electricity, enough electricity for over ¼ million homes. This has saved £3.35m on energy bills and 143,000 tCO2e annually, the equivalent of 1.1m flights from London to Paris. (source: Community Energy State of the Sector | Community Energy England, Compensate your carbon footprint – with CO2 calculator from myclimate – myclimate).
The support from BEIS through the Greater South East Energy Hub, who work with the public sector and their stakeholders for the development and financing of local Net Zero projects, will see all local authorities in England offered the opportunity to sign up to the CEP programme, so if you are involved with a local authority and want to know more then get in touch, or register your interest at https://communityenergypathways.com/
Community Energy South’s ambition is that every District or Borough authority should benefit from a community energy group and each Unitary, Metropolitan Authority and County Council should include a Community Energy Network (Steering Group) to empower energy communities and support the region to achieve Net Zero.