Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the electricity network that powers everyday life for 8 million people across the North East, Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, has partnered with Regen to launch a grant scheme aimed at local community energy groups.
The grant provides funding for up to £10,000 per scheme, with £50,000 available to help new or existing community energy organisations and climate action groups across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, and Northern Lincolnshire.
The aim of the fund is to help new and existing groups to build capacity, access expertise and explore feasible project ideas in the early ‘at risk’ stages of project development. It also aims to support emerging community energy organisations with start-up costs.
Applications are accepted from community-based organisations and charities such as volunteer-led groups, a registered charity, community benefit society, community interest company or a not-for-profit organisation with charitable aims.
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.
Helen Priestley, Northern Powergrid’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager said: “Northern Powergrid empowers thriving, connected and strong community energy sectors in the communities we serve, where decarbonisation, resilience, energy democracy, energy security and innovation go hand-in-hand.
“We want to tackle the climate emergency together and with many community energy organisations volunteer-led, we know that developing low carbon, local energy projects, is not easy or a financially viable option.
“The Net Zero Community Energy fund provides an exciting opportunity for community groups, or those who are looking to establish a community energy organisation, to apply for funding to install low carbon technologies, deliver a renewable energy project or energy efficiency projects on decarbonisation of heat, or provide education and public engagement on energy.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Regen to provide the funding and support community energy groups to deliver the projects for the benefit of all.”
Shona Reid, Regen said: “After all of the inspiring projects that received funding and supported their local communities last year, such as community-owned solar PV and energy advice services, we are excited to hear about the innovative ideas for this year.
"We are particularly interested in hearing from new voices - if you have an idea and want to learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us so that we can support you throughout the application process.”
Applications for Net Zero Community Energy Fund are open until 8 August. Full eligibility criteria applies.
To find out more and apply, visit https://www.regen.co.uk/project/northern-powergrid-net-zero-community-energy-fund-2023/ or https://www.northernpowergrid.com/community-energy
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