Staffordshire Energetic Communities

This is a Stage 1 project to identify 4- 6 communities (of 200-1000 homes) across Staffordshire for collaboration to bring forward detailed deliverable plans to decarbonise the communities by a combination of increasing renewable supply and reducing energy demand, reduce energy bills for residents, and address fuel poverty. 

They aim to identify what works in different types of communities, what the conditions for success may involve, and what obstacles need to be overcome. Innovative approaches will be employed including investigation of potential for direct supply of energy from local sources, virtual power plants (VPPs), and flexible tariffs. 

A long list of 18 communities will be identified and initial consultation & analysis undertaken. Subsequently 4-6 of those communities will be selected for development of detailed decarbonisation plans. The selection criteria for the communities to be taken forward to this stage will depend on levels of engagement and interest; opportunities for renewables or other energy projects; levels of deprivation and need; and achieving a range of different challenges to maximise the learning to be gained from these pilot projects. 

Key issues and plans will be identified for each community which will form the basis for developing detailed decarbonisation projects beyond the funding period.