Powering communities: exploring community energy opportunities

Powering communities: exploring community energy opportunities

These free interactive workshops and expert surgeries are designed to help communities explore, develop and progress community energy projects.

Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of community energy or are already developing a project, you'll gain practical insights, hear from experienced organisations and have the opportunity to discuss your ideas directly with specialists.

Delivered by Futureproof Cumbria in partnership with Enterprising Cumbria and sponsored by SP Electricity North West.

Who is this for?

Anyone interested in learning more about community energy, regardless of where they are on the journey.

You may be:

• Exploring whether community energy is right for your community, parish or organisation
• Looking to commission a feasibility study
• Considering how to implement the recommendations of an existing study
• Seeking funding opportunities
• Trying to understand project viability and return on investment
• Planning community engagement activities
• Navigating electricity infrastructure or grid connection requirements

There is no limit to the number of people who can attend from a particular community or organisation.

Content and timings

To provide flexibility, the workshop has been divided into two sessions. You are welcome to attend either session or both. Please indicate your preference when booking.

Part 1: 3pm – 5pm (arrival from 2.30pm)

• Economic viability and return on investment – Community Energy Go (CEG)
• Funding opportunities – North West Net Zero Hub and Action with Communities in Cumbria (ACT)
• Understanding electricity demand and network infrastructure – SP Electricity North West
• Planning requirements – Lake District National Park Authority and Westmorland and Furness Council

Light refreshments will be available from 5pm – 5.45pm

Part 2: 5.45pm – 7pm

• Building community engagement and support
• Using community buildings as a focus for community energy – ACT
• Community purchasing of solar panels and air source heat pumps – Futureproof Cumbria
• Understanding feasibility studies – Enterprising Cumbria
• Expert surgeries – bookable one-to-one conversations with speakers and specialists
• Next steps for implementation and identifying future support needs

Who are the experts?

Action with Communities in Cumbria (ACT)
A rural and community development charity supporting communities across Cumbria and championing rural issues.

Community Energy Go (CEG)
Helping communities turn renewable energy ideas into reality through practical tools, expert guidance and support that delivers social, environmental and economic benefits.

North West Net Zero Hub
Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Hub supports organisations to identify, develop and deliver community energy projects, including access to funding opportunities.

Enterprising Cumbria
Supporting business growth, skills development and investment across Cumbria while helping communities and organisations develop sustainable projects.

SP Electricity North West
The local electricity distribution network operator responsible for maintaining and developing the electricity network across Cumbria and the wider North West.

MORE INFORMATION

Cost - This event is free to attend.

Venue - Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust, Stoller House, Redhills Lane, Penrith CA11 0DT. There is ample parking on site. A train or bus can be caught to Penrith train station with a 30mins walk to the venue. Details for a lift from the station will be shared when you book.

Donations - If you can afford to support us through a donation when you book, this would be hugely appreciated. As a charity, our scope and reach is dependent on the generosity of those who believe in our cause. Thank you for your support.

In partnership with:

Sponsored by: