The community, which is being set up under the Re-Energise Project, will make it easier for our companies to invest together in renewable energy technology, such as solar panels and battery storage.

Community members will then share the clean energy or heat they generate to power their businesses in a cost-effective, greener and more sustainable way.

In the autumn, our partners at West Sussex County Council will produce the first draft of a business plan for the LEC setting out the financial, legal and operational arrangements. This work is being completed under the EU-funded LECSEA project.

The Manor Royal BID Re-Energise Steering Group will then meet to discuss the draft business plan and seek views from a cross section of our businesses before the final plan is produced for the end of the year.

If the plan is agreed, the first community members will be asked to sign a memorandum of understanding ready for the community to begin operating in 2022.

If you would like to know more about the Local Energy Community and comment on the draft business plan when it is available, please contact ingrid.bennett@westsussex.gov.uk

Date Published: 28/07/2021