Thanks to £1.5 million National Lottery funding, Community Energy South, supported by Hampshire County Council, is set to expand its staff and volunteer numbers so that it can train and mentor a larger number of community groups, including providing expertise in human resources (HR) and marketing, so that community projects can get up and running more quickly.
The County Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Climate Change, Councillor Zoe Huggins, said: “While we are playing our part to support the Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower through cutting bills, creating jobs and the availability of cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, we have always been clear that success in tackling climate change and achieving Hampshire’s net zero target is reliant on residents and communities taking action - either individually or within community groups. But we know that they need help, advice and support to get started which is why the work of Community Energy South is so vital and why we have been a proud supporter of the organisation for the past four years.
"As renewable energy currently generated in Hampshire is only 5% of the total used, there is a sizeable opportunity to generate local, low carbon energy so the award of substantial funding by the National Lottery is fantastic news and will really elevate the progress of community-based energy initiatives, as well as enable Community Energy South to become financially self-sufficient and sustainable."
The funding will boost employment and skills related training opportunities. Nicola Davidson, from Community Energy South said: "Most of the groups we work with have done amazing things with a small core team of volunteers. But it's hard to grow projects and impact from volunteer time only. This funding will create 33 jobs across 11 community energy groups, bring on 100 volunteers and provide up to 50,000 people with energy saving advice. We will also see the creation of more renewable generation projects that are community owned, with the increased energy generated helping to reduce the overall demand for electricity from the carbon intensive national grid."Of the 11 groups, the first Hampshire group set to benefit from the funding boost is Energise South Downs – a group that is helping people and businesses to access or even build their own renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power; run initiatives such as residents’ home advice services to encourage energy-saving practices; and to create connections and promote collaboration among local community organisations to share knowledge, and work together towards a greener future.
Catriona Cockburn, Programme Director at Energise South Downs said: "Energise South Downs wants to reduce energy costs and help reach net zero goals for Hampshire residents. This funding support will enable us to move forward at pace, with additional staff and volunteers."
More information
Community energy includes a variety of initiatives including community heating schemes, domestic energy advice and group purchasing schemes - schemes which enable householders to benefit from the most competitive pricing for green energy in Hampshire.
