Community Energy Fortnight - State of the sector report and energy efficiency panel debate
June 2020 Newsletter
Improving energy efficiency in Firle village
The first step in our project to transform the heating system of Firle village is to ensure that each property is as energy efficient as it can be. Over June and July our Energy Saving Team will be conducting surveys of homes in the village using a new social distancing methodology designed by our partners at Warmer Sussex, a programme offering low cost energy surveysthroughout the county.
Fuel Voucher Scheme Extended
We are pleased to share that an Emergency Fuel Voucher scheme has been extended. For many customers, lockdown has meant spending much more time at home, and for those with prepayment meters this can increase the chance of the meter running out of credit and disconnecting. Thanks to funds provided by local supplier Your Energy Sussex, fuel vouchers can be issued to support those most in need. Contact BHESCo to make a referral.
Community Energy England - State of the Sector Report 2020
As part of Community Energy Fortnight 2020, Community Energy England have released their annual 'State of the Sector' report. The report reviews activity and progress in the sector over the previous year, examines the current health of community energy in the UK, identifies barriers and opportunities, and looks ahead at what can be expected during the next twelve months. Read the full report
BLOG: Developing Low-Carbon Heat Networks in Sussex & Kent
A core pillar of BHESCo's strategy over the coming years is to work with rural communities throughout Sussex and Kent to develop low-carbon heat networks.
Many rural villages rely on oil and liquid gas for heating, which the UK Government wants to phase out. Any villages in the region who are interested in partnering with BHESCo to become a Net Zero carbon emissions community should get in contact ASAP.
VIDEO: Energy Efficiency - Special Panel Debate For Community Energy Fortnight 2020, BHESCo brought together leading voices from the energy efficiency sector in Brighton and Hove to discuss why this industry is often ignored when people talk about climate change, and what can be done to bring about the widespread renovations that the UK housing stock so sorely needs. Click the video to watch.
In Other News...
Brighton and Hove City Council propose plan to install solar panels on 1,500 social housing units
At a meeting of the Housing Committee on 17th June, council members put forward plans to install rooftop solar PV panels on 1,500 social housing units across the city between 2020 - 2023. The programme will cost £1.875m and is expected to save residents £2.48m on fuel bills in addition to reducing CO2 emissions by 300 tonnes/ year. Read more.
Opinion: Brighton and Hove has a chance to thrive as lockdown eases
MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas has written this opinion piece for the Argus which argues that, in the terrible wake of the coronavirus pandemic, our community has a rare opportunity to transform the city, making it more environmentally sustainable, cycle friendly, and considerate of the city's most vulnerable residents.
Tesla granted electricity generation licence in the UK
The electric car manufacturer and technology firm hopes to develop virtual power plants in the UK and in other countries using its ‘autobidder’ real-time trading and control platform. The company are also rumoured to be considering the development of a giga-factory in Somerset to build electric storage batteries. Read more.
Crowd fundraiser campaign launched to help plant more trees
A new fundraising campaign has been launched this week to bring more nature into the streets of Brighton and Hove. It aim is to plant 1,000 new trees in the city. The new fundraiser aims to raise £2,000 to help the city's community groups plant more trees to increase habitat for nature and to improve health and well-being.
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Winner 2019 Regen Best Community Energy Initiative Award Winner 2019 Community Energy England Carbon Savings Award
Winner 2019 NEA Heat Heroes Award
Winner 2018 Brighton and Hove Business Awards Green Company of the Year
Winner 2016 NEA Heat Heroes Award
Winner 2016 Community Energy England Energy Saving Award
