Humshaugh, UK, TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 - The village of Humshaugh, Northumberland, with 622 residents, is leading the way in a groundbreaking rural energy trial called HELM (Humshaugh Energy Local Management), set to be a major step toward reshaping how rural communities specifically can manage and consume energy for the benefit of everyone living within them.
Managed and delivered by partners Ricardo plc, alongside Humshaugh Net Zero CIC and Entrust Microgrid Ltd on behalf of Northern Powergrid, the Humshaugh Energy Local Management (HELM) initiative aims to trial the integration of as many local renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, EV chargers, heat pumps and smart microgrid technologies as possible on domestic and community properties to reduce complete reliance on centralised utilities and improve local energy efficiency.
The HELM team will begin approaching residents in September with details on the trial and information about how they can get involved in time for winter testing from October. Newsletters, letters and public meetings will be used to engage with everyone to achieve ideally over 100 eligible properties. The first public meeting will be in Humshaugh on 20th September from 10 am. Participants in the trial will be rewarded with shopping vouchers.
HELM is one of four regional electricity network innovation trials selected by Northern Powergrid, the electricity distribution network operator for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire as part of the £14.5m five-year long flagship Community Distribution System Operation project, funded by the energy markets regulator, Ofgem.
“We are delighted all members of the HELM trial team have mobilised so quickly to manage our second Smart Local Energy System (SLES) market trial in our Community DSO project.
“The team are working well together as our lead rural trial consortium and are already piloting their technology in five homes in readiness to register participants across the community for the winter and next summer.
“The trial in Humshaugh will run for one year to investigate what circumstances can accelerate the connection of mass low carbon technology connections, such as solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging at hyperlocal levels.
The goal is to create a sustainable, flexible energy ecosystem where energy use and production are balanced locally. The trial will further enhance Humshaugh’s local energy resilience, strengthen community independence and give the residents more control over their energy future.”
[Jane Watson, Innovation Community Engagement Lead, Northern Powergrid]
“The Community DSO project is a pioneering initiative that will empower the residents of Humshaugh to take control of their energy future. By enabling regions to manage their energy, we can build community, foster greater resilience, reduce carbon emissions and create a more equitable energy landscape.”
[Olivia Carpenter-Lomax, Head of Clean Energy Infrastructure, Ricardo]
“Humshaugh continues to drive forward initiatives to deliver Net Zero by 2030. With a significant number of low-carbon technology devices already installed throughout the village, and a 1 MW community solar farm with battery storage due to be built in 2026, we see the potential for significant learning opportunity to be delivered by this project.”
[David Still CBE, Director, Humshaugh Net Zero CIC]
The HELM project is focussing on:
- Energy Independence: Advanced energy systems to reduce dependence on the national grid.
- Renewable Integration: Support local use of renewables to cut carbon and boost self-sufficiency.
- Community Governance: Residents actively involved in shaping and managing local energy systems.
- Smart Technology: Use smart microgrids and energy storage to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs.
The Community DSO project represents a significant step toward a sustainable, decentralised energy future. As climate change continues to challenge traditional energy systems, local energy solutions offer a promising alternative.
What’s Next?
As Trial 2 progresses, the project team will continue to engage with community members, stakeholders, and energy experts to refine the system. The data collected will help inform future trials and ultimately contribute to the development of a scalable model for communities everywhere.
Contact Information:
For more information about Trial 2, or to get involved, please contact:
HELM Project Team
trial@humshaughnetzero.org
David Still 07900 917047
Photo credit: David Best