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

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. Contact details John Ingleby, GUCE johningleby@gmail.com
Marie Osborne, WCE
Brian Kazer
TRICE -