COMMUNITY ENERGY CONFERENCES TO HELP COMMUNITIES DECARBONISE AND ACHIEVE NET ZERO

We're working in partnership with Community Energy England and Regen to host two community energy events on 3 and 4 July; offering community energy organisations the opportunity to network and learn from local energy stakeholders across the region.

Organisations can discuss key issues in collaborative break-out sessions, hear inspiring examples of the work leading energy groups are doing, and find out more about the Net Zero Community Fund, which offers new and existing community energy organisations the chance to apply for a grant up to £10,000.

The funding, aimed at helping climate action groups or organisations start-up, build capacity or explore feasibility of new energy projects, requires groups to either be volunteer-led, a registered charity, community benefit society, community interest company, or a not-for-profit organisation with charitable aims.

In total, up to £50,000 is available across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, and community groups have until 15 July to apply.

In previous years, this fund has supported a wide range of organisations to kick start innovative and exciting projects including new community owned solar generation, community engagement on net zero, exploring local electricity trading and much more. Case studies on the completed projects funded in 2022 can be seen here.

Community groups must have a formal constitution and a bank account with at least two signatories and must be run by local people, with clear local benefits to the project, and demonstrable community links which will result in carbon savings, alleviate fuel poverty or increase awareness of energy and climate-related issues. The organisation must also have an income of less than £100,000 in the most recent financial year.

Katie Privett, Northern Powergrid's Regional Insights Manager said: "We're proud to work in partnership with Regen and Community Energy England to help local energy groups make a positive difference to communities across our region.

"The Community Energy Conferences on 3 and 4 July are in-person forums for community energy organisations, climate action groups, local authorities and any people or organisations across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, who want to help their local area to decarbonise energy and achieve net zero.

"The forums provide an opportunity for like-minded people to come together, discuss ideas and solutions to decarbonise, and find out more about the Net Zero Community Energy Fund."

Shona Reid, Regen, said: “We’re delighted to support the Community Energy Conferences in partnership with Northern Powergrid and Community Energy England and support climate groups to achieve their net zero goals.

“With spaces filling up fast, we’d encourage people to act quickly and register their interest, and we look forward to working with energy groups, across the region, to bring their decarbonisation ideas to life.”

Register now - Community Energy Conferences:

Wednesday 3 July, 10.30am to 3.30pm

• St. Saviourgate York, CMC, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ

Register here.

Thursday 4 July, 10.30am to 3.30pm

• The Catalyst, 3 Helix Science Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG

Register here.

Apply for the Net Zero Community Energy Fund

Applications are open until 15 July 2024. Full eligibility criteria applies. Visit www.northernpowergrid.com/net-zero-community-energy-fund and for more community energy information visit www.northernpowergrid.com/community-energy.