British communities race for green funding

British Gas Green Streets empowers community energy groups with grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency, supporting solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biofuels projects, delivering carbon savings, lower bills, and resident engagement across local UK neighborhoods.

Local communities and conservation groups have two weeks to apply for a share in a $3.3 million fund for the advancement of green technology, British Gas says.

Conservationist and adventurist Ben Fogle teamed up with British Gas, as Britain shifts to smart grids and metering across the energy sector, to encourage local British communities to advance green energy projects.

British Gas said any community group advancing renewable energy projects or energy efficiency programs at the local level, amid UK smart grid investment momentum, could apply for the so-called Green Streets funding.

The green technology can include solar, wind, hydroelectric power or employ the use of biofuels, and support smart city power innovation models, said Gearoid Lane, managing director at British Gas New Energy.

"We want to show local groups the carbon and financial savings they could enjoy by providing the funding, support and technical expertise, as utilities address an aging workforce challenge, needed to develop and implement their ideas," he said. "We know that small groups can make a big difference and hope these projects will benefit their community for generations to come."

British Gas will allocate funding based on the potential for energy efficiency and, as seen when a utility secured smart grid funding in the U.S., the ability to engage local residents in green energy technology.

The deadline for the Green Streets application is August 31. The community seen as the greenest after a year could win another $165,500.

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