Energy Networks Association’s Open Networks Project has announced a series of community energy forums to allow groups to provide input to consultations and speak directly to project representatives.
The announcement was made at the Community Energy England Conference last Friday (18 October).
As well as providing a place to allow direct contact with the representatives, the forums will be used to discuss other issues relevant to community groups when they are held throughout next year.
The Open Networks Project says community energy groups are vital in the transition to a low-carbon energy network and meeting the government’s net zero target. Holding forums, the group says, will lend “real momentum” to the networks’ decarbonisation plans.
The project is seeking to reach net zero as quickly as possible by expanding local markets for flexibility services, of which community energy is a key player.
The forums will also help to better understand how to get more vital resources involved in local flexibility markets.
David Smith, chief executive of the ENA, said: “Working closer with community energy partners will be helpful for the Open Networks Project, useful for community energy groups and good for the public as we look to build a Net Zero energy system fit for the future.
“This new formal commitment to further integrate community energy into the project will help the vital work to decarbonise and decentralise our networks while improving the access that community groups have to the energy networks.”
Emma Bridge, chief executive, Community Energy England, added: “Community energy organisations across the UK are exploring new ways to accelerate the transition to a fair, sustainable, smart and net zero energy system.
“These new community energy forums will provide a meaningful and straight forward way for communities to contribute to the decarbonisation plans for the networks and to highlight opportunities for increasing local engagement and impact by community energy projects.”