Electricity North West has awarded more than £75,000 to community projects across the region that focus on tackling energy-related issues.
The funding is part of the network operator’s annual Powering our Communities scheme which supports the development of community and local energy initiatives in the region, from providing advice on energy efficiency or generating renewable energy to supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances.
This year, the network operator has awarded grants to seven projects across the North West.
Helen Seagrave, community energy manager at Electricity North West, said: “We’re now in our third year of running the Powering our Communities Fund and the quality of the initiatives gets better every year.
“This year’s projects not only help communities to reduce their carbon footprint, and so help edge us closer towards the North West’s net zero targets, but also encourage communities to work together on a shared goal – something that is central to a green recovery after the pandemic.”
Among the schemes to have received awards this year, Green Rose CIC’s Energy Ambassador scheme in Lancashire will recruit community volunteers to help residents cut energy bills and stay warm.
In Lancaster, Lune Valley Community Land Trust will deliver a feasibility study to provide communal electric vehicle charging points for a new social housing development.
Meanwhile, projects in Cumbria include helping Ainstable Parish Council to install solar powered lighting to five community areas and supporting people in Broughton-in-Furness out of fuel poverty with Energy Local CIC and its Logan Gill hydro scheme.
In Greater Manchester, Carbon Co-op will help roll out heat pumps in the community and Youth Focus North West will help to connect and educate young people on environmental issues across both there and in Lancashire.
Meanwhile in Derbyshire, Acclimatise Whaley CIC will encourage the local installation of solar panels at reduced pricing.
Find out more about the seven projects and the Powering Our Community fund, here on Electricity North west’s website.
