COMMUNITY groups in West Devon could benefit from up to £1,000 worth of funding to carry out energy saving improvements.

Western Power Distribution’s (WPD)?community chest grant scheme has £50,000 available to distribute. The maximum award for each qualifying group will be £1,000 and will enable groups to insulate loft spaces, install energy monitors, insulate windows and doors, fit effective heating controls and install low energy lighting.

Tracy Carr, Western Power’s community liaison officer said community venues were a valuable asset to local people but could cost a fortune to maintain. Tracy said: ‘The aim of the scheme is to help a range of groups implement efficiency measures that reduce their energy costs but also reduce their community’s carbon footprint,’ she said.

Janine Michael, head of development at the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), who will administer the scheme and provide expert advice and support, said: ‘We are delighted WPD is operating the scheme for a fourth year. Energy efficiency measures – such as insulation and improved heating controls – should be the bread and butter for any carbon saving scheme, with renewable energy technologies added as the jam. Until now there have been very few places community groups could go to fund these basic improvements.’

CSE has put together a simple application process along with some energy survey guidance notes for interested groups. Please visit the CSE website www.cse.org.uk/wpdcc for further information and to download the energy survey audit form.

Tracy added: ‘Our community buildings are the backbone of our towns and villages. They support a wide range of activities for people of all ages and have a positive impact on local lives. I encourage all non-profit making community groups to take a look at the website and see if they qualify for one of the grants. They could be a few clicks away from a grant that can support their community and save them money.’

The community chest has awarded more than £134,000 to various beneficiaries across WPD’s network area. Past recipients include village halls in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

WPD is the regional electricity distribution business for the Midlands, South West England and South and West Wales. It manages, operates and maintains distribution infrastructure like poles, pylons, cables and substations.