We invite communities across Bath and North East Somerset to help shape the future of local, community-owned renewable energy. This isn’t about fixed plans - it’s a collaborative opportunity to listen, discuss, and explore possibilities together, through our Energy in Your Community project. We support local people in developing renewable energy solutions - such as solar farms and wind turbines (depending on what is suitable in your area) - that bring direct benefits to their communities.
What community-owned energy is
Community energy is about people and communities taking democratic control over their renewable energy future, by understanding, generating, using, owning and saving energy in their communities. Community energy shifts power and opportunity to local communities, allowing profits from renewable energy to stay local and fund projects that directly benefit the people. Watch this short video from Power to Change if you would like to find out more.
Alongside the Centre for Sustainable Energy we are leading this stage of the process as part of the wider Community Energy Network - a partnership that supports local communities in exploring the possibilities of community-owned renewable energy and deciding whether they wish to pursue their own projects. Learn more about the Community Energy Network.
Other partners in the Community Energy Network are Bath and West Community Energy, University of Bath, Age UK B&NES and Citizens Advice B&NES (through the Community Wellbeing Hub). It is funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund.
About this form
This short registration form gives you the opportunity to let us know if you want to be involved with this project. Your responses will help us gauge local interest and enthusiasm. We will also review practical factors, such as grid capacity, to identify communities with strong support and real potential for renewable energy, but do not worry - you do not need to provide this information, as we have the data to review.
Before you begin
If your community took part in a Future Energy Landscape (FEL) workshop in 2022 (Peasedown and Wellow, Temple Cloud and Hinton Blewitt, Stowey Sutton and East and West Harptree), you do not need to complete this form. These pilot areas are already included in the project. If you live in one of these areas, but didn’t take part in the original workshops, we still welcome your interest. Just complete the registration form, and we’ll connect you with the existing group.
If your community is interested in taking part, please fill out the registration form by 5pm on Monday 4 August 2025. Your input is vital in shaping local energy solutions that truly work for your community. We appreciate your time and look forward to hearing your thoughts.
For more background and frequently asked questions, please see our information pack.
If you have any questions or require an alternative format (such as large print, Braille, audio, or a downloadable version for printing), please contact Community_Energy@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also call 01225 47 76 15 if you’d prefer to complete the form over the phone.
What happens next
By completing this form, your community will be considered for the next stage of discussions. In this round, we will select three communities to work with. These discussions will bring people together to explore renewable energy options - including what could work in your area, the potential benefits, and ways for community involvement. All responses will be carefully reviewed, and we may contact other communities for future opportunities as the project progresses. We encourage registrations from all communities, whether you’re ready to get started or just curious.
How we use your data
This registration form is confidential. All information you provide will be treated with care and used solely for this consultation. To learn more about how we manage your data, please read our Privacy Notice.