A share of £100,000 is up for grabs as part of a new community energy competition launched today by Energy & Climate Change Secretary, Edward Davey.

Community groups and other eligible organisations across England are invited to apply for the funding to develop innovative energy-saving ideas that could help slash energy bills.


Ideas can be anything from hosting an energy advice stall in your local shopping centre, to crowd-funding solar panels for your local church or running a ‘buddy’ programme to help vulnerable households get to grips with their energy bills, switch energy suppliers and save money.


“We’re looking for communities to tell us how they want to take control of the energy they use so they can cut their bills,” said Mr Davey.


“Local people will know what works best in their areas, and their ideas will help driving even more investment into local energy projects.”


The competition is open to all community groups that are registered as legal entities – such as local authorities or parish councils, charities, faith groups, social landlords, trusts, community interest companies or co-operatives. The successful applications will be able to demonstrate the biggest potential drop in energy consumption and bills.


Applications close on 10 February 2015, with the winners due to be announced shortly afterwards. Successful applicants will need to deliver their idea by the end of March 2015.


Visit the Community energy webpage for more information or to apply.