Do you want to empower your local community to help deliver your region’s climate change strategy and achieve your net zero target?

Through tailored programmes, we help community energy organisations to develop skills and build capacity to work alongside local authorities to implement net-zero strategies. So far we have supported 50 such groups to build their capacity as Community Benefit Societies.

We deliver business planning, support for project development, fundraising, governance advice and networking with other projects. We provide expertise in training, mentoring and relationship-building – working collaboratively with our local authority partners to realise their local ambitions.

Our programmes help local people set up projects ranging from community solar to innovative heat and power and electric-vehicle charging. They also provide advice on energy efficiency and support for vulnerable people. 

Since 2020, Essex County Council has collaborated with Community Energy South to foster a thriving community energy sector in Essex.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar, Essex County Council

Why community energy?

In the community energy sector people work together to reduce energy use and generate low carbon heat and power.

Community energy projects require local leadership, a collective vision and community engagement. They bring benefits for all and create a democratic energy system that is both decentralised and decarbonised.

Community groups often have distinct, localised goals in addition to a general aim of helping to combat climate change and making energy cheaper and more secure. Ideally, groups can:

• Support communities through the transition to net zero and help raise awareness of the value of locally-led action on climate change. 
• Build and invest in generating their own renewable energy  
• Understand local needs and help their communities to save energy and money.
• Offer skills, training and job opportunities.