Projects are designed to have local benefits and are led by local people. Activities can range from installing a renewable energy technology on a local building like a school or a church, to energy advice cafes, group buying schemes, putting on talks about saving energy and so on.
Community energy empowers people to take control of the energy system. Other benefits include:
- accelerating the transition to becoming zero-carbon and fighting climate change;
- initiating behaviour change and encouraging further take up of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures;
- improving the local economy and creating jobs;
- opportunities for investment and showing people that change is possible.
Community energy projects are widely recognised as an effective way to raise awareness and engage people in energy issues.
If you’re interested in getting involved in community energy, then you should search for a local group. Alternatively, you can set up you own group. There are a number of useful resources to help you achieve this and find funding, including:
- England: Community Energy England
- Wales: Welsh Government Energy Service
- Scotland: Community and Renewable Energy Scheme
- Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Community Energy
- Community Energy London
- Energy4All
If you would like to take part in a share offer to help fund a community energy project you can find some share offers at:
