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Principles met

  • Innovation

    We will embrace innovation in how we work with local communities to drive positive change.

  • Maximising social value

    We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.

Collective energy switching schemes have generally failed to reach vulnerable households, but research shows how councils could reduce energy costs for this group by using different approaches. Changes in regulation and policy offer opportunities for working with vulnerable individuals more effectively, through partnerships with community energy co-operatives and other organisations with similar aims.

This Plymouth-based study examines community-based approaches to securing cheaper energy for low income households, based on research with residents in Plymouth and the experiences of the Plymouth Energy Community, a resident-led energy co-operative.

The authors Andrew Shadrake and Gerard Couper, of CAG Consultants, were commissioned by Plymouth City Council to lead the feasibility and community engagement work which created Plymouth Energy Community.

To read the report, click here.

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