David Lacey Operations Director Community Energy Solutions (North East) David Lacey Operations Director

Project Background Initial project development through DTI/DDU/Transco Affordable Warmth Team focusing on: The delivery of a model to bring about greater accessibility for deprived communities to the gas network. The development of market viable renewable energy technologies.

DTI Design and Demonstration Unit (DDU) Established in 2003 to support the work of the Sustainable Energy Policy Network (SEPN) with the objective of identifying, evaluating, piloting and delivering innovative, cross- cutting community programmes that will assist the Government achieve its energy policy objectives.

Why the North East? The fuel poverty status of the region The region’s proven track record in tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency Regional leadership in developing and promoting renewable energy technologies The presence of a significant number of rural and urban deprived communities with a strong potential to benefit from this project The interest and commitment shown by ONE.

CES Project Aims “ To deliver cost effective community-based energy solutions that significantly reduce fuel poverty in order to improve living conditions, stimulate local regeneration and cut harmful emissions”

CES Structure Community Energy Solutions, CES Group, is a not for profit community interest company (CIC). It has two wholly owned subsidiary companies, also community interest companies, Community Energy Solutions North East, CES (NE) CIC and Community Energy Solutions Yorkshire and Humber, CES (YH) CIC

Holistic Approach to Energy Solutions Gas connections to Non-Gas Communities Community-based renewable technologies = WHOLE COMMUNITY/WHOLE HOUSE APPROACH Energy Efficiency advice and benefits health check Tailored approach to match each community with community support

The Story So Far…… Funding of £1 million from DTI matched with £1 million from One North East, the Regional Development Agency. EEC partner identified Big Lottery Fund: Reaching Communities Programme Low Carbon Buildings Programme (Stream 2) Warm Zones Warm Front

The Story So Far…… Established bases in Newcastle and Stockton. Process of hiring staff is complete (7 of us). Initial screening based on communities within 2 km of a gas main and MDI of 25+ shows 108 target communities. Filter to identify early wins has pinpointed 17 projects for immediate attention. Tendering for bulk purchase of air source and ground source heat pumps completed.

Where Next? Gas mains extension schemes at: Prior Park, Berwick on Tweed (589 homes). West Denton, Newcastle (494 homes). Blakelaw, Newcastle (123 homes). Cockfield/Woodland/Copley/Butterknowle, Teesdale. Sunniside.

Where Next? Biomass Communal Heating for private housing, local school and church at Middleton in Teesdale plus possible ASHPs. Gas mains extension at The Dene, Ebchester, Derwentside (166 homes) Stobswood/Widdrington Station (150+ homes) – gas mains extension in partnership with UK Coal. Melsonby and Prior Court, Billingham, (132 homes) – district heating to all electric flats. Cambois, Northumberland – gas mains extension plus possible community renewables. Benton, Newcastle, 163 homes belonging to the Guinness Trust Knotts Flats, North Tyneside – Home Housing - ASHPs.

Call For Projects Funding available for good projects. Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) of 25+ Minimum 50 households in a community. Renewable capital where it bridges a gap in the business model. Gas mains extensions using an IGT can bring the cost of previously non-viable projects down to affordable levels.

Contact Details Community Energy Solutions (North East) St Joseph’s Business Centre West Lane Killingworth Village Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 7BH Tel: 0191 216 0888 Fax: 0191 216 0899 Mobile: 07918 615 183 E-mail: david.lacey@communityenergysolutions.org.uk