For local authorities, collaborating with community energy organisations can be a powerful way to further climate objectives as well as wider strategic goals.

The government’s Local Power Plan is expected to make up to £1bn available annually for local energy projects, with the goal of developing 8GW of new local renewable energy by 2030. Local authorities should be ready for the opportunities this presents – and community energy groups will be crucial in helping reach this target.

On behalf of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, CAG Consultants have developed new guidance to help local authorities better collaborate with community energy groups. The guide brings together existing resources, tips and case studies alongside findings from consultations with local authorities, community energy groups and support organisations. It also includes an assessment tool to help local authorities assess their current community energy work and identify areas for improvement.

You can download the guide here.

Why should local authorities engage with community energy?

Community energy groups can act as trusted intermediaries within local communities on energy and net zero. Their projects can provide great opportunities to reduce carbon and improve energy resilience at a local scale.

But their impact can also reach far beyond climate goals. They can help local people save money on their energy bills, improve the welfare of those at risk from fuel poverty and build local skills and capacity. They not only contribute to the climate change agenda, but to other local authority strategic objectives including economic development, health and welfare.

How can the guidance help your local authority?

The guide outlines six ‘building blocks’ for increasing collaboration between your local authority and community energy organisations:

1. Develop a good understanding of community energy and what it can deliver for your local authority’s objectives.
2. Make sure that policies and plans explicitly support community energy.
3. Build relationships with existing community energy groups in your area.
4. Nurture the development of local community energy organisations.
5. Support the development of renewable energy, heat or transport projects by community energy groups.
6. Support the delivery of energy efficiency, fuel poverty and retrofit services by community energy groups.

The assessment tool sets out statements to help your local authority gauge where it stands on each of these ‘building blocks’. These are accompanied by guidance and case studies, providing inspiration on how to extend collaboration with community energy groups.

Explore more on this topic

Listen to Mary Anderson from CAG Consultants speak about the benefits of local authorities collaborating with community energy groups on the Greater South East Net Zero Hub podcast.

The Greater South East Net Zero Hub is available via cef@gsenetzerohub.org.uk to provide guidance and support for local authorities and community energy groups in the East and South East of England.