Project duration: December 2016 – April 2018

Peer Power set out to inspire the setup of new community energy groups in Dorset, and to support groups in Devon and Dorset to achieve their energy ambitions through local peer networks.

The programme included feasts, site visits, training and events to inspire and support groups to develop their projects and learn from each other.

The Devon Community Energy Network is firmly established and has activities programmed for the next two years, including the set up of a new Devon Community Energy Company to work on large scale collaborative energy projects in the county.  You can read more about the work of these organisations in the Devon Community Energy Impact Report.

Sustainable Dorset are supporting the continuation of Peer Power in Dorset and Wessex Community Energy Network has been established inspired and supported by Peer Power. Networking in Dorset was more challenging and you can read about the barriers in our blog.

During this project Regen delivered:

• 21 events with 779 participants in Devon and Dorset
• 2 residential Spring Gatherings in Devon
• 178 hours of direct technical support to community energy organisations
• 31 community energy updates, (10 email updates between Nov-Apr 2018)
• £650 of travel bursaries to enable community groups to participate in national conferences
• free spaces for community women at EWIRE events.

Peer Power was organised in partnership with Devon County Council, Dorset County Council, and was funded by Power to Change.

Led by: Jodie Giles

Contact: jgiles@regen.co.uk

Project duration: Jan 2014 to March 2014

Good community engagement can help to make developments locally appropriate and provide the foundations of positive long term relationships between the host community and those involved in the development. The guidance illustrates the benefits of creative engagement and how techniques can be used to achieve wider participation at each phase of a project’s life.  It highlights some exemplary practice from those working in renewable energy, including our very own Communities for Renewables CIC and South West Water.

Community Benefits from Onshore Wind Developments: Best Practice Guidance for England

DECC commissioned Regen to set out best practice regarding how community benefit funds can be applied. The guidance sets out a number of questions for developers, communities and local authorities to consider at each stage of the development process. It also highlights interesting case studies, including some south west examples: Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network as a community with a plan, and Good Energy’s local electricity discount scheme at Delabole wind farm.

Led by: Cheryl Hiles

Contact: chiles@regensw.co.uk