Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the electricity network that powers everyday life for 8 million people across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, has partnered with Regen to launch a grant scheme aimed at local community energy groups.
The Net Zero Community Energy Fund, now in its third year, has already supported 17 net zero community initiatives over the past two years. The grant provides funding of up to £10,000 per scheme, with £50,000 available to help new or existing community energy organisations and climate action groups across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, and northern Lincolnshire.
The aim of the fund is to help new and existing groups to build capacity, access expertise and explore feasible project ideas in the early ‘at risk’ stages of project development. It also aims to support emerging community energy organisations with start-up costs.
In previous years, this fund has supported a wide range of organisations to kick start innovative and exciting projects including new community owned solar generation, community engagement on net zero, exploring local electricity trading and much more.
Applications are accepted from community-based organisations and charities such as volunteer-led groups, a registered charity, community benefit society, community interest company or a not-for-profit organisation with charitable aims.
Community groups must have a formal constitution and a bank account with at least two signatories and must be run by local people, with clear local benefits to the project, and demonstrable community links which will result in carbon savings, alleviate fuel poverty or increase awareness of energy and climate-related issues.
The organisation must also have an income of less than £100,000 in the most recent financial year.
Katie Privett, Northern Powergrid’s Regional Insights Manager said: “We’re proud to work in partnership with Regen to help local energy groups make a positive difference to communities across our region.
“The Net Zero Community Energy Fund provides vital funds to empower a thriving, connected and strong community energy sector; from setting up new energy groups, to installing solar panels, and replacing old boilers with efficient heat pumps which are now fit for the future.
“We look forward to supporting more community energy groups to deliver their projects and empower their transition to net zero.”
Shona Reid, Regen said: “Over the past two years, the Net Zero Community Energy Fund has supported 17 exciting initiatives to get started.
“We’re delighted to be working with Northern Powergrid again in 2024 to bring this crucial funding to all the budding community energy groups across the region with great ideas.”
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the Net Zero Community Energy Fund are open until 15 July 2024. Full eligibility criteria applies.
To find out more and apply, visit;
www.northernpowergrid.com/net-zero-community-energy-fund and for more community energy information visit;
