News

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Low Carbon Community Network Conference

Fri, 6 January 2012

14th January, 9am start.
King’s Conference Centre, Oxford
Free. Please pre-book: www.lowcarboncommunities.net
Financial assistance for travel costs available for those who need support

This conference will focus on how we can develop strong local coalitions or groupings that link community level action to councils, to emerging community energy groups and social enterprises, to academics and to large and small private sector bodies active in the area. We’ve got a developing list of great speakers and workshops and we’re still open to ideas.

www.lowcarboncommunities.net
 

LEAF Funding Available – DEADLINE: 20th January

Fri, 6 January 2012

Community groups have until 20th January to apply for government funding which is available to communities in England and Wales who are playing an active role in the development of a low carbon society. Money is available to finance projects that increase understanding and uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and help to make energy supply secure and affordable for everyone in your community. Interested groups can submit an online application.

www.greencommunitiescc.org.uk
 

Successful Legal Challenge to FITS

Thu, 5 January 2012

 

 Friends of the Earth and two solar installers have successfully challenged the government’s decision to cut FIT rates by half before ending a consultation on the issue.
 
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director said: ‘We hope this ruling will prevent ministers rushing through damaging changes to clean energy subsidies - giving solar firms a much-needed confidence boost.’
 
The government have since confirmed that they intend to appeal the decision this week. Greg Barker of the Department for Energy and Climate Change tweeted that ‘Budget means 4 every 1 new taker @ 43p, 2 homes won't get it at 21p.’ He also pointed out that: ‘many installers r telling us @ 21p solar pv still makes sense for right home.’
 
Critics of the government’s decision have pointed out that it has caused local authorities and community groups to cancel schemes for social housing and community buildings despite having already put in lots of work on these projects.
 
 

www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/fits_appeal/fits_appeal.aspx

 

Community Action Grants Available in Derbyshire

Thu, 5 January 2012
 Derbyshire County Council are offering Community Action Grants of up to £1,000 to help small groups run projects that improve life in their local community. Groups are invited to apply anytime up until 14 December 2012. The council considers applications every three months and the next deadline is 27 January 2012.
 

Community Buying Schemes for Heating Oil

Thu, 5 January 2012
Bulk purchase heating oil schemes exist in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. 
 
Both schemes allow householders to buy smaller amounts of oil (a minimum of 500 litres instead of 1000 litres if purchasing on your own) at cheaper prices. The Nottinghamshrie scheme saves people an average of 4p per litre.