Electricity North West’s rallying call for community groups

Electricity North West has called on community groups across its region to apply for support and funding.

The firm launched its community and local energy strategy a year ago, which has so far supported 13 community energy groups as well as hosting a number of workshops.

It has also assisted six groups with funding through its Powering Our Communities Fund.

Electricity North West’s community energy manager, Helen Seagrave now wants more groups to come forward and take advantage of the knowledge, expertise and funds on offer to promote community energy projects.

“To us, community energy means community-led projects or initiatives to reduce, manage, generate or purchase energy,” said Seagrave.

“The first 12 months has been very well received and we only want to build on this. We want to hear from more groups that have their own community energy projects. At Electricity North West, we have knowledge and expertise readily available.

“We are supportive of community energy and want to reach out and inform stakeholders about ourselves, what we do and how we can help,” she added.

Electricity North West launched its annual report at the Community Energy England annual conference marking the start of Community Energy Fortnight, which runs until Sunday (7 July).

Emma Bridge, chief executive for Community Energy England, welcomed the initiative from Electricity North West.

“Their desire to understand the Community Energy sector in the North West, as demonstrated through the report we produced together, the events that they run in the region, the financial support they are offering groups and their input in the formation of a regional hub for practitioners has truly demonstrated they understand what the sector needs and are willing to support both financially and practically,” said Bridge.

“We look forward to working with Electricity North West to nurture and grow the community energy movement in the North West.”