Learn about the Community Energy Network

Use this page to learn about the Community Energy Network, what it does and how it works.

The Community Energy Network helps local people:

Funding and local partners

This project runs from 2025 to 2028 and is funded by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund. We work together with the following local partners:

Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) - a not-for-profit community business, committed to putting people at the heart of the energy transition to zero carbon. BWCE supports local leaders in renewable energy initiatives and helps assess the practicality of projects in their area.
The University of Bath - undertakes innovative research into sustainable energy, climate action, and community engagement, helping to inform and evaluate what works in local energy transitions.
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) - supports people and organisations to tackle the climate emergency and end cold homes.
Age UK B&NES and Citizens Advice B&NES (through the Community Wellbeing Hub)

This project is more than just an advice service - it's a movement.

We work to:

Together, we can save money, protect our environment, and build a sustainable future for everyone.

Our work has two main parts, Energy at Home, and Energy in your Community. Please expand the following headings to find out more.

Discover how to reduce your energy bills, improve home efficiency, and lower your carbon footprint.

Energy at Home offers the following services:

Energy Advice Line - Get free, impartial advice from trained experts
Energy Advisors - Providing one-to-one personalised support through the Community Wellbeing Hub
Energy Champions - Trained, local volunteers offering trusted guidance and connections to further support and funding.

We support communities in exploring locally owned renewable energy through a two-stage process:

start the conversation - express interest and, if selected, take part in workshops to discuss local energy needs, opportunities, and ideas
explore opportunities - if a project looks viable, get support to assess renewable options, funding possibilities, and delivery models. Grant funding is available for groups ready to take the next step.