Expanding Community Generation on Scilly

The project aims to deliver net zero in the Isles of Scilly’s electricity supply with environmental, social and economic benefit to the islands’ community. 

Scilly has the highest energy bills of any area in the UK, standing at £1,227 (UK average £757) at the start of 2022. Due to reliance on electricity as the sole source of domestic energy. Depending on measurement methodology, fuel poverty rates on Scilly may be as high as 21% - significantly higher than the national average, evidencing a need to address electricity costs in this location. 

Scilly faces several structural challenges: high capital costs due to the off-shore location, lack of economies of scale due to the small population size, scarcity of land, and an increasing proportion of the population being economically inactive (29%) and elderly (22%). 

This project will progress 3 sites from feasibility study to investment ready state (1 solar, 2 solar and battery). Construction of these sites would allow 400 additional households to join our Energy Local club, delivering around a 21% reduction in energy bills for those households. 

To deliver targeted support for vulnerable households, they will explore the viability of three options: enabling their participation in our Energy Local club, involving them in the decision making around next steps in our energy roadmap, and the identification of potential surpluses and whether they could effectively contribute financially to local support structures.