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Electricity North West has launched new £75,000 fund to help local communities understand and tackle energy issues.

The Powering our Communities Fund will offer grants of up £15,000 to local groups looking to undertake energy efficiency work, support vulnerable customers or work towards low-carbon solutions.

The new fund was launched on the back of the results of a recent survey, which revealed that only two per cent of people in the UK are actively participating in a community energy group, despite 63 per cent admitting they would be interested, if they could save money.

“The energy landscape is rapidly changing and we know that community energy is going to play a vital role infacilitating the transition to a low-carbon future for the North West,” said Electricity North West’s community energy manager, Helen Seagrave.

“We’re delighted to be launching the Powering our Communities Fund to help support local community energy groups and the great work they do in reducing fuel poverty and providing a greener and smarter energy supply.

“Our recent survey clearly shows that there is an appetite within our region for community energy and we want to make that need a reality.”

The chief executive of Community Energy England, Emma Bridge added: “There is a growing desire for individuals to get involved with energy projects and explore how those projects can improve people’s lives and transform communities.

“It’s fantastic to see Electricity North West not only recognising this but also actively supporting communities to develop projects.”

The closing date for applications is 19 December.