An energy programme that is empowering communities to lead renewable energy projects within the district is growing in popularity.
Launched in May this year, the Community Energy Programme supports the delivery of community-owned and led renewable energy projects – empowering communities to take control of their energy future and contribute to a more sustainable energy system, alongside offering local benefits.
Funded by East Suffolk Council, the Programme is being facilitated by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Community Energy England and Ashden, organisations with vast experience in the community energy space.
In this next phase, local residents are being invited to join interactive workshops taking place across autumn/winter 2026, to share thoughts on community energy.
Workshops will be held in the following areas:
• Halesworth (Westhall) – Saturday 26 September, 10am - 12.30pm
• Woodbridge – Tuesday 29 September, 6pm - 8.30pm
• Leiston – Thursday 8 October, 6pm - 8.30pm
• Framlingham – Wednesday 11 November, 6pm - 8.30pm
These are being held in collaboration with the following community groups that are already operating in East Suffolk:
• Halesworth ASH
• Deben Climate Centre
• Transition Woodbridge
• Net Zero Leiston
• Greener Fram
• Charsfield Community Energy
Attendees will be able to use maps interactively to indicate where they would like to see installations such as solar and wind be investigated for feasibility, or areas of the local land that are special and should be avoided. The workshops will also investigate people's views on rooftop solar in the area.
These workshops pose an exciting opportunity - allowing local people to design from scratch what energy infrastructure is built and where, and also how it can benefit the local community. As well as being in the driving seat for what technology is installed and where, another benefit of community energy is that being community-owned, the groups can decide where surplus revenue from energy generation should be spent in their local area.
One of the community energy groups we are working with is looking to how a community energy project could help reduce electricity bills for local people in Westhall, near Halesworth.
If you know of a community group that may be interested in receiving support as part of the East Suffolk programme or attending one of the events, please contact katie.hickford@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Places can also be booked online via Eventbrite.