CES leads way in providing clean, affordable energy

May 20 2008 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal

COMMUNITY Energy Solutions (CES) is now over half way into delivering its two-year plan to ensure that more than 20 communities in the region have energy efficient means to heat their homes with.

As well ensuring the health and wealth of homeowners is given the best chance, the energies on offer from gas through to innovative renewables all emit less carbon emissions so look after the environment too.

Chris Leek, chief executive of CES, said: “By providing whole communities with entirely new and renewable energy sources we are doing our bit to ensure the next generation’s future in our region. It’s an approach that can be rolled out across the rest of the UK.”

In many areas, plans have already been developed and communities connected to the mains gas supply.

More exciting for future generations though, CES is leading the way in the provision of other clean, reliable, affordable and renewable energy sources, such as air and ground source heat pumps, biomass fuels and solar thermal.

Chris said: “There are some areas that are isolated and a long way from the mains gas supply. It is simply not an option to try to extend the mains to that area so we are taking an innovative approach and many of our projects delivering renewable options are being registered as the first project of its kind in the UK”

CES is a non profit distributing community interest company, which has been set up as a two-year pilot project with investment from DTI and One NorthEast Innovation Programme with support from National Grid Affordable Warmth Project. It has two bases in the North East, one in Killingworth in North Tyneside and one in Stockton, in addition to an office in Leeds serving the Yorkshire & Humber Region.

CES is the first organisation of its kind to bring together all parties, including major energy suppliers, regional development agencies, gas transporters and manufacturers of renewable energy equipment plus the positive support of the communities it works in, to bring cheaper, better and cleaner fuel sources for its residents.

So far 16,000 households are benefiting from the services of CES in the region, with another 25 communities to be targeted over the coming year.

Further information is available at www.communityenergysolutions.org.uk.