Surrey
We have supported seven groups in Surrey to deliver energy saving activities, by providing support to secure grant funding and arranging training for energy efficiency advice for households. In total, we have leveraged the investment made by the Council to multiply the income to the county’s community energy sector eight-fold.
More recently, Zero Carbon Guildford have been making great strides employing three part-time people through our Community Energy People project – helping them do more of the activities they know they need to do.
Our latest success has been in forming Surrey Community Energy (SCE) – a new Society for the whole county, committed to energy generation projects. We were delighted to work with SCE to submit an application to the Great British Energy Community Fund at the end of 2025. This funding will pay for planning permissionand legal and investment fees to bring their new solar project to life. In 2026, we are hopeful that an additional rooftop solar project with Guildford College will be developed, allowing us to engage the learners in the technicalities of the project and wider green career options.
“The continued growth of community-led energy groups supporting residents in reducing bills, keeping their homes cosy and free of damp and mould has been catalysed by CEP, in turn creating training and job opportunities, and reducing residential emissions to tackle climate change through local projects.”
Ben McCallan (Greener Futures Engagement Lead at Surrey County Council, founder and inaugural Chair of Zero Carbon Guildford and Director of Surrey Community Energy
“I can’t overstate how helpful Nicola’s guidance has been for us at Surrey Community Energy. From advising on the right mix of skills in our directors, right up to applying for grants from GB Energy she has guided us through the process of incorporation and taught us how to select and develop our projects.”
David Griffiths, Surrey Community Energy