Major utility companies have woken up to the fact that community energy has a critical role to play in the future energy mix. We’re seeing more and more major companies seeking to work together with us so that community energy can access the opportunities and income streams offered by the changing energy landscape.

Community Energy England worked with UK Power Networks, Community Energy South and Scene Connect with support from the regional hubs Community Energy East and Community Energy London to understand the needs of community energy groups across London, the East and South East of England.

Through this survey, we aimed to:

• Find out what needs to happen for community energy to access the opportunities and overcome barriers presented by the fast-growing market for flexible energy services;
• Ensure UK Power Network’s vision and strategy for a smart grid for all is aligned with the needs of community energy customers and stakeholders;
• Influence public policy and the ongoing work of communities to enable and develop new low carbon energy projects.

This will act as a testbed for future regional reports to be developed as part of the England & Wales annual State of the Sector report.