Skip to content
Your Profile Log in Log out Register
Your Profile Log out Log in Register

News, insights & events

Membership

Tools & guidance

Funding & opportunities

Policy & campaigns

About us

Case Study

2024 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Essex County Council

9 November 2024

Essex County Council

Essex County Council: Community Energy Awards 2024 Finalist (and 2023 Winner)

In 2023, Essex County Council (ECC) won the prestigious ‘Most Supportive Local Authority’ award, cementing its position as a leader in promoting community energy. Over the past year, ECC has upheld and further strengthened its commitment to the community energy sector by implementing a strategic and multifaceted approach. Through meaningful partnerships, robust policy advocacy, financial support, and practical assistance, ECC has driven innovation and sustainability in Essex’s local energy landscape.

One of ECC’s most effective strategies has been its deep engagement with community energy groups across the county. By leading a network that unites representatives from various organisations, ECC fosters a ‘community of practice.’ This network allows groups to exchange knowledge, share resources, and collaborate on best practices. Through expert-led presentations and interactive Q&A sessions, ECC empowers community groups to grow and succeed in their local initiatives.

This network, initially launched as part of Community Energy South’s Pathways programme, has seen significant growth in the past year, both in membership and impact. One standout addition to this network is Basildon 20-30, which is composed of members aged 20-30 and is likely the first youth-led community energy group in the UK. This achievement underscores ECC’s ability to cultivate diverse and innovative energy solutions that engage a wide demographic, especially the younger generation.

Additionally, ECC provides support to over 25 community energy and climate action groups, guiding them through ‘powering-up’ and ‘powering-down’ initiatives, helping them launch renewable energy projects, and enabling energy-saving measures across the county.

ECC has been pivotal in offering hands-on assistance to community energy groups, providing the necessary resources to ensure their success. A notable example is the Jaywick Community Energy Group, which has set its sights on developing solar energy projects for local buildings. To further support Jaywick, ECC helped establish the Jaywick Energy Hub, a community resource offering guidance on energy efficiency, available funding, and retrofit grants for homes.

ECC also played a crucial role in supporting the Harlow Community Energy Project. By connecting the group with key stakeholders and facilitating its incorporation as a community benefit society, ECC helped secure funding opportunities and drive local energy initiatives. Moreover, ECC has consistently raised awareness of grants, funding, and financing options through social media and communications, ensuring groups have access to critical resources for their energy ventures.

As a partner with Community Energy South, ECC has gone a step further by providing templates and guidance on becoming incorporated as community-benefit societies, a structure that unlocks more opportunities for funding and project development.

ECC’s collaboration with district councils has been another major factor in advancing community energy. A notable success is its partnership with Uttlesford District Council, which has resulted in the early development of a district-wide community energy group. This umbrella organisation will support the six new groups that have formed in the past year. By advocating for and guiding the establishment of this district-wide initiative, ECC has proven its ability to mobilise multiple stakeholders and align local priorities with wider energy goals.

In addition to advocacy and practical support, ECC has provided financial backing to several community energy projects. One of the key projects supported by ECC is the Littlebury Energy Project, which secured a £40,000 feasibility study for a heat network thanks to ECC’s intervention. ECC also collaborated with the Tollesbury Climate Partnership on the Tollesbury School initiative, an exemplary project that reflects how local authorities can lead by example in the community energy sector.

Through financial support, expertise, and capacity building, ECC has enabled these groups to take tangible steps toward clean energy solutions that benefit local communities. Essex County Council’s holistic approach to supporting community energy initiatives has made it a model for other local authorities. From policy influence and financial support to meaningful
engagement and partnerships, ECC has shown that local governments can play a transformative role in driving the community energy movement.