Affordable energy in rural England

Access to affordable energy, delivered with strong community involvement, is increasingly recognised as vital for strengthening rural resilience.

This is a key area of activity across much of the ACRE Network.

Several Network members, such as those in Northumberland, Devon and Cambridgeshire, have introduced initiatives to help their local communities with their energy needs.

These include supporting access to good quality affordable housing, working with partners to deliver energy advice, opening warm hubs, offering retrofit schemes and delivering savings through bulk fuel purchasing schemes.

Elsewhere, ACRE itself has piloted energy projects and influenced policy on rural energy inequalities.