Why do this

  • Provides the skills and tools for community energy groups to evolve into established businesses, create local jobs and better serve their local communities
  • Builds resilience in local communities by creating local networks that enable Net Zero planning
  • Social benefits supporting vulnerable and fuel poor with local trusted energy advice
  • Supports local areas to identify and fund gaps in local skills to support communities, enhance local economies and community cohesion
  • Establishes networks that enable communities to innovate, access funds and harness community finance for socially owned renewable energy generation and other benefits
  • Strengthens social fabric and fosters a sense of local pride and inspires communities in taking positive action on climate change
  • Together we are stronger.  Local authorities, communities and Distribution Network Operators working together will help us all reach Net Zero

Why now

Around 300 local authorities across England have declared a Climate Emergency and have presented climate change strategies to reach net zero by 2050.

Our Community Energy Pathways programme will help local authorities and communities work in partnership to deliver those plans.

How it works

There are six steps to our Community Energy Pathways programme.  Those steps are summarised below.

Step 1 –
Assessment
and Strategy

  • Assess local interest, groups and organisations
  • Identify regional priorities and opportunity for community energy
  • Develop regional community energy strategy
Cup

Step 2 –
First steps to
business support

  • 1-2-1 advice and assessment on starting up a community business and setting key priorities
  • Engage with Districts and Boroughs in key regions to establish support for local community energy businesses
Gears

Step 3 –
Develop tools

  • Produce a database of national and local funds that will enable the development of community energy businesses and projects.
  • Provide regional guides and templates to get new projects and community businesses started
Puzzle

Step 4 –
Training and
networking

  • Deliver a community energy start-up ‘masterclass’ to improve local skills and provide hands on support
  • Regular focus group training and regional community energy network
Target

Step 5 –
Next steps for
business support

  • In-depth mentoring and support
  • Create a community energy business start-up plan, become incorporated
  • Identify projects, undertake feasibility studies and secure project funding
Action plan
Cup

Step 6 –
Review and
improve

  • Develop a focussed action plan for continuous improvement and continuity of community businesses

Register your interest!

Contact us for more information and start your journey

Register

Step 1 –
Assessment
and Strategy

  • Assess local interest, groups and organisations
  • Identify regional priorities and opportunity for community energy
  • Develop regional community energy strategy
Cup

Step 2 –
First steps to
business support

  • 1-2-1 advice and assessment on starting up a community business and setting key priorities
  • Engage with Districts and Boroughs in key regions to establish support for local community energy businesses
Gears

Step 3 –
Develop tools

  • Produce a database of national and local funds that will enable the development of community energy businesses and projects.
  • Provide regional guides and templates to get new projects and community businesses started
Puzzle

Step 4 –
Training and
networking

  • Deliver a community energy start-up ‘masterclass’ to improve local skills and provide hands on support
  • Regular focus group training and regional community energy network
Target

Step 5 –
Next steps for
business support

  • In-depth mentoring and support
  • Create a community energy business start-up plan, become incorporated
  • Identify projects, undertake feasibility studies and secure project funding
Action plan
Cup

Step 6 –
Review and
improve

  • Develop a focussed action plan for continuous improvement and continuity of community businesses

Register your interest!

Contact us for more information and start your journey

Register

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