20 Oct 2026
RSN members Community Action Northumberland (CAN) and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) are helping rural communities explore ways to reduce energy costs and benefit from local renewable energy.
The inaugural Powering Our Communities Summit, held at Hexham Abbey on 14 October, brought together community groups, energy specialists, policymakers and local organisations to share experiences and identify practical solutions.
The event was organised by Climate Action in Rural North East (CAIRN), a partnership involving Community Action Northumberland (CAN), National Innovation Centre For Rural Enterprice (NICRE), Durham Community Action and the Rural Design Centre, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The Cost Of Living Beyond The Electricity Grid
Households without a mains electricity connection shared the financial and practical challenges of generating their own power.
One resident, Vanessa, described investing more than £41,000 in solar panels, battery storage and a generator, alongside ongoing servicing and maintenance costs. Rob, a farmer in Coquetdale, had invested around £70,000 in solar, batteries and a wind turbine to supply his home and business.
Their experiences showed how renewable technologies can improve daily life, while the upfront costs remain out of reach for many households.
Community Buildings Show What Is Possible
The summit also highlighted projects supported by Northumberland Community Energy Limited (NCEL).
At Carrshield Village Hall, solar panels and battery storage were installed at no cost to the hall through a partnership with NCEL. According to CAN’s account of the summit, the installation had already saved £400 in electricity costs since February.
At St Paul’s Church in Seahouses, work with NCEL and the Church of England helped replace an ageing oil-fired heating system, alongside installing solar panels and battery storage.
These examples showed how specialist advice and partnerships can help community organisations reduce costs and overcome technical and financial barriers.
Priorities For Wider Action
Workshops explored community renewables, rural retrofit, transport, funding and support for households beyond the electricity grid. Key priorities included:
- Simpler funding and finance.
- Trusted advice on planning, technology and grid connections.
- Greater community involvement in local energy projects.
- Support that recognises rural circumstances.
- More collaboration and shared learning.
For RSN members, the summit offers practical examples of how local partnerships can support rural energy projects, alongside a clear reminder that affordable finance and accessible advice are essential.
