How to make community energy projects happen in your area John Ingleby - GUCE Marie Osborne – Wolverton CE Brian Kazer – TriCE

Origins and addressing local need GUCE Established 2013 An initiative of Transition in Kings TriCE Established 3 years ago Spin off from Transition Towns movement Wolverton Result of 5+ years of energy efficiency work in a Victorian housing stock Set up led by another community organisation Future Wolverton

Legal structure – and why GUCE, TRICE & Wolverton are all Community Benefit Societies CBS exist to serve the wider community, are membership organisations (so democratic) and must only use their assets for the benefit of the community Specific local objects GUCE – specific local objects around promoting carbon reduction/energy efficiency/awareness of environmental issues TriCE – similar to GUCE Wolverton – very general to allow us to do as much as we want!

Getting started Finding Directors Important that the people involved are local and understand their community, plus a few experts! Identifying the renewable technology – solar PV Govt subsidies did favour solar PV + simplest technology Accessing support to create a financial model Wolverton had external support with creation of financial model. GUCE & TriCE obtained help from another group.

Moving forward Finding roof partners Raising funds – community shares GUCE focussed on schools & cast the net wide (hence the Grand Union CE name) Wolverton – approached 30+ organisations/companies to secure 2 roofs! TriCE yet to secure a roof partner despite many, many leads Raising funds – community shares GUCE raised £79k through a community shares issue Wolverton raised £187k community shares and xx from Big Issue Invest

Getting going Installation Billing for energy used Importance of finding a sustainable installer! Going out to tender to get the best deal and price – and best technology Billing for energy used Back office systems for billing need to be professional & efficient Relationship with customers different from the Big 6! Using community investment funds Community Investment Strategy needed so surplus is invested well

Community Investment & other work …… GUCE Transition Streets Rural Community Energy Fund Wolverton LED installations in schools Fuel Poverty relief work funded by grants/partnerships Tring Thermal Image Surveys/Energy Saving Advice

Lessons learnt Community Energy organisations are as unique as the areas they serve It’s hard work – you need stamina and champions! Local Authorities can support but also frustrate! Partnerships and most importantly relationships critical to success

Lessons learnt Use Neighbourhood Planning to deliver Community Energy outcomes Community Energy organisations need to be ahead of the game and alert to opportunities – battery technology Get expert support and help

Getting help Community Shares Unit http://communityshares.org.uk/ Co-ops UK https://www.uk.coop/ Ethex (social investment platform) https://www.ethex.org.uk/ Crowdfunder http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk GUCE, Wolverton & Tring CE – just ask!

Contact details John Ingleby, GUCE johningleby@gmail.com Marie Osborne, WCE marie@wolvertoncommunityenergy.uk Brian Kazer TRICE - briankazer@hotmail.com