Community Energy 8 April 2014 Cheryl Hiles, Director
1. Are communities really interested in sustainable energy? 2. Isn’t DECC only interested in supporting the big stuff? 3. It will never work, will it?
The Community Energy journey
Are communities really interested in sustainable energy?
180 south west communities registered their interest in sustainable energy
Our Community Energy Champions!
Regen SW supporting communities ….
•Not for profit • National policy influencing • Regional media engagement •Independent •Mission led •Established 10 years •Work with the sustainable Provide training, energy industry and decision events, resources and makers direct support
Increase the effectiveness and success of project delivery
Increase the number of communities active and engaged with energy projects
Isn’t DECC only interested in supporting the big stuff?
Source: The Cornish Guardian
Community Energy Strategy launched 27 January 2014
• Potential for 3GW by 2020 • Potential to power 1 million homes • Rural and urban community energy funds • Consultation on Community FiT levels imminent, subject to state aid • One stop shop • Green Open Homes • Ofgem Community Energy Taskforce • Renewable industry taskforce on community ownership • DECC Community Energy Unit
It will never work, will it? • BWCE’s second public Share Offer closes fully subscribed at £350,000. Their first share issue closed after successfully taking in £721,350 from nearly 200 members.
• The South Brent Community Energy Society project raised well in excess of the £420,000 target, pulling in £430,000 through a community share issue. It now has nearly 200 members. Of those, 68% are from South Brent and 26% from the surrounding area.
Our Community Energy Champions!
Cheryl Hiles Director, Regen SW
[email protected] 01392 494399