Competition launches to find neighbourhood for energy saving programme

Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo) has launched a competition to find a neighbourhood for an energy saving and solar power programme.  

BHESCo is a not-for-profit social enterprise aiming to make energy efficiency measures and renewable energy installations accessible and affordable for local communities. 

Housing makes up 43% of Brighton & Hove’s carbon dioxide emissions, and household energy saving measures will be crucial in order to achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral city.  

In addition to the climate emergency, the cost-of-living crisis has further highlighted the need to shift towards cheaper, renewable energy sources. 

Purpose of the programme 

The competition, which is funded by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, has been created to highlight the impact of a community-led programme to make homes warmer and cheaper to power. 

The project aims to reach at least 100 households and to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels on at least 50 homes. 

The programme will make use of government initiatives such as the Great British Insulation Scheme where possible to help reduce costs for eligible homes.  

What households will receive 

Residents on the winning street will receive a package of support to improve the energy efficiency of their property. This includes: 

  • A free solar power analysis for all households on the street/ in the neighbourhood 
  • A free energy saving survey for a select few archetypal homes on the street 
  • Street level planning and modelling 
  • Coordination of bulk procurement of energy saving measures 
  • Opportunity to join a whole street community solar scheme 
  • Project management of all works to be installed 
  • Quality assurance of all works installed 
  • Support accessing grants such as the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 

How to enter 

If you’d like to nominate your neighbourhood to take part in the programme, you can find out more about the competition and how to apply by visiting BHESCo’s website.  

Nominations are open until 5pm on Monday 20 November. 

Trailblazing programme 

Councillor Tim Rowkins, Chair of the City Environment, South Downs & The Sea Committee, said: 

“Community energy schemes such as this have an important role to play on our journey to carbon neutrality, and this is a great opportunity for one of our neighbourhoods to reduce their household bills as well as their carbon footprint. 

“We hope that this can demonstrate what is possible at community level and help pave the way for more projects like this in the future.” 

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