SP Energy Networks and TV host Charlie Luxton have joined forces for a roadshow to educate communities throughout the country on how to generate and profit from their own energy.
The tour will support the network operator’s new Community Energy Strategy, which aims to help groups across Scotland, England, and Wales deliver homegrown power in their neighbourhoods.
Over the next year, Charlie will draw on his experience as a co-founder of the Hooky Energy Club as he visits fellow community energy projects. He will shine a spotlight on the positive difference they are making in their local areas and signpost support available from SP Energy Networks’ dedicated community energy team.
Charlie and the SP Energy Networks team kicked off the tour in Ayr, visiting the community-owned solar installations delivered by the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Association in Wallacetown.
The project was developed in partnership with South Ayrshire Council and supported by a £216,000 grant from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund, as well as funding from the Scottish Government’s Community Energy Generation Growth Fund.
Community-owned solar panels have already been installed on Wallacetown Early Years Centre, St John’s Primary and Newton Primary. Funds from the electricity generated are reinvested directly into the community, with the scheme expected to generate an estimated £1 million over the next 25 years for local projects and services.
Charlie said, “Community energy projects tackle big challenges like fuel poverty and have a huge collective impact for our environment.
“SP Energy Networks is working hard to make community-powered energy projects a reality right across the country and Wallacetown is a great example.
“This community has taken control of its own energy and turned it into something that will benefit people for the next 25 years. I can’t wait to get out and meet more groups like this over the coming year, spotlight their great work and help make community energy more accessible to all.”
Aileen Rourke, district general manager at SP Energy Networks, said, “There are lots of ways we can help community groups make their energy ambitions a reality. Our dedicated community energy team are on hand at every stage, from scoping to stakeholder consultations and connection processes.
“It can be complicated to navigate how to make this kind of project a reality, so we want to help make that process as easy as possible. We’re excited to have the support of Charlie Luxton as our first Community Energy Champion and for him to help raise the profile of incredible community groups who have made their ideas a reality.”
Alan Roseweir from the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Association, added, “Having Charlie come and see Wallacetown for himself meant a lot to everyone involved in this project. We’ve really benefited from support from SP Energy Networks and together we’ve worked through the challenges of delivering community energy projects for the first time. By sharing learnings from our project, hopefully we’ll inspire other groups to do the same.”
