“Powering our Communities Fund” in the United Kingdom

In particular, projects that can demonstrate how they can contribute to the delivery of one, or more, of the following priorities:

• Activity to seed the development of a community energy project
• Activity to address a specific barrier that is holding back the development of a community energy project
• Adopting a proven community energy approach or business model in a new community or situation

They are looking for projects that will lay the foundations to enable communities to go on to deliver projects with significant impacts such as carbon savings, local economic benefits, enhanced community resilience and communities that feel more empowered to take action on climate change.

The fund is open to all of the community and they particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic groups or other groups that are often “seldom heard” or at risk of being left behind in the energy systems transition.

They also welcome projects in partnership with organisations such as local authorities and businesses as long as it is clear what control and benefit the local community has as a result of the project.

How much funding is available?

• They will award successful projects with between £5,000 and £15,000 and the project will need a bank account to accept the funding. There is up to £100,000 available in total to support projects.

What can be funded?

• The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities including, but not limited to:
  • Staff time or technical expertise;
  • Upskilling or training of community members;
  • Feasibility or research studies;
  • Engagement events or other engagement methods and materials;
  • Equipment
• Projects will run from October 2024 -October 2025 unless agreed otherwise.

Who can apply?

• Applications will be accepted from a wide range of any type of organisation including community energy groups or businesses, energy cooperatives, any time of community-based organisation, environmental groups or organisations, parish, schools or local authorities as long as they can demonstrate the community involvement or local benefit of their project.

For more information, visit Electricity North West.