Getting started with community energy
Starting a community energy organisation can be a rewarding activity that delivers real impact on both social and environmental issues. When thinking about establishing a group it is important to consider a few key points before you get started:
- What do you want the organisation to achieve?
- Are there any other similar community groups in the area working towards a similar aim?
- Why have other groups succeeded or failed and can any lessons be learned before starting a project?
Running a community energy project needs the drive and leadership of an individual or small group of people to succeed. This founding group will often create the initial idea and then develop it to create a vision of what the project will look like. This creates a strong foundation for a larger community group to develop over time.
- The My Community website has a range of information, guides and case study resources that can help you engage your local community, form a group and figure out your next steps.
- The Ace for Communities website from NEF has a section on forming community energy groups.
- Transitions Network's essential guide on starting from scratch.
- Read how the Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral project got started on their journey to zero carbon.
