Heart of England Community Energy (HECE), a community energy company based in Stratford-upon-Avon, has been shortlisted for the Fuel Poverty Action Award at the national Community Energy Awards.
HECE's nomination stems from its significant support of Act on Energy, a local charity focused on providing energy advice to vulnerable households.
Over two years, HECE has contributed more than £70,000 to the pilot of Act on Energy’s ‘Complex Case Worker’ initiative, which delivers free, personalised energy advice to individuals facing complex energy-related issues in South Warwickshire. This initiative aimed to ease the financial strain of energy costs for local residents.
John Stott, local resident and Chair of HECE, said: “We’re truly pleased to be shortlisted. It endorses, in a national sense, all the work we’re doing to support those facing hardship and social deprivation in Stratford and South Warwickshire. It's rewarding to be able to use the money earned by selling solar electricity to help those in need within our community. We welcome funding applications from South Warwickshire communities aiming to reduce carbon emissions and relieve poverty. Our website explains the kinds of assistance we can offer.”
The Act on Energy pilot achieved remarkable outcomes over the two year funding period:
723 households assisted, exceeding the target of 400.
Over 250 individuals benefited from personalised home visits
A cumulative £226,541 in savings and income gains was achieved for participants through energy efficiency measures and grants.
467 individuals received ongoing support via phone and online platforms to help manage energy-related challenges.
410 households benefited from small grant measures, including draught-proofing, energy-efficient lighting, fuel debt support and boiler servicing.
The Complex Case Worker initiative has not only helped individuals meet their immediate energy needs but also empowered them with knowledge and tools for reducing long-term costs. By facilitating grants and improving housing conditions, Act on Energy have helped beneficiaries establish a more sustainable and comfortable lifestyle.
Stratford District Council Leader Susan Juned, one of HECE's directors, explained: “I am district councillor in a Ward where many residents have needed assistance with heating bills and costs. Often the cases are complex and require assistance from a number of other services. The complex case worker has been really helpful in helping people to seek other sources of advice and grants to meet the cost of living or improve their housing problems as well as helping them to reduce their immediate heating bills.”
The pilot programme prompted Stratford and Warwick District Councils to commit funding for two Complex Case Worker positions through to at least spring 2025.
HECE is arguably one of the most successful in the UK’s clutch of community energy groups. Operating a 15MW solar array near Stratford-upon-Avon, the organisation manages over 60,000 solar panels that generate an impressive 13.5 million kWh of clean energy annually.
Beyond their significant climate impact, these projects generate substantial income from electricity sales to the grid—often totalling millions over their lifetime.
HECE invests its surplus income into community and carbon reduction projects across South Warwickshire, focusing on alleviating fuel poverty, tackling social deprivation and promoting environmental sustainability.
The Fuel Poverty Action award, will be presented by Community Energy England on November 22. It celebrates community energy organisations that address the complex challenges of fuel poverty and energy efficiency across England.
For more details on Heart of England Community Energy projects and impact, see: www.hecommunityenergy.org
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