Northern Powergrid Foundation launches three-year strategy to support communities

The Northern Powergrid Foundation has set out a three-year plan to boost energy resilience and create opportunities across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire; the foundation has already provided nearly £2 million to 120 organisations since it was created after Storm Arwen.

The Northern Powergrid Foundation has launched a three-year strategy to help communities in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire adapt as the energy system changes. The foundation was created after Storm Arwen and has supported community resilience through grants. It has awarded almost £2 million to 120 organisations to date. The new strategy emphasises resilience, opportunity and fairness as guiding priorities. Key details: - The strategy covers a three-year period and targets communities across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. - The foundation has distributed almost £2 million to 120 organisations since its establishment after Storm Arwen. - Funding will focus on three priorities: enhancing resilience, creating opportunities, and overcoming barriers, with attention to areas affected by location or income deprivation. - The Energy Resilience Grants programme will continue, offering capital grants of up to £20,000 for backup power and energy-efficiency improvements; this year’s funding can also cover upgrades such as LED lighting and insulation. - Recent recipients include Kibblesworth Village Millennium Centre (£20,000 for solar panels, batteries and an inverter), Lonsdale Community Centre (a similar grant to become a crisis hub), and Wetwang Village Hall (£19,254.20 for solar panels and battery storage). Summary: The strategy aims to turn energy challenges into opportunities for communities and to prioritise fair support for areas most in need. The foundation will continue its Energy Resilience Grants and direct funding under the three stated priorities to support community resilience and reduce running costs.