Partner Spotlight: Energise Sussex Coast joins our Community of Practice

We are pleased to welcome Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) to our Community of Practice as they begin using our Home Retrofit Planner tool in their service. This partnership reflects the growing momentum ESC has achieved and the valuable learnings they bring to share with our partners and network.

Established as a Community Benefit Society in June 2012, ESC has been delivering energy-saving advice and community energy projects for over 12 years. Their mission focuses on championing community-led responses to climate change, tackling social and economic inequality, and reducing fuel poverty in seaside and rural communities. Their objective is to drive a fair and equitable transition to a sustainable, resilient future free from fossil fuels.

In 2024, ESC made remarkable progress in its mission. They provided vital support to communities facing high energy costs, responding to 9,703 energy advice helpline calls and distributing over £90,000 in fuel vouchers. Their impact expanded with the launch of a new Retrofit Advice Service, offering tailored solutions such as home energy reports and advice on damp and mould.

ESC’s community energy projects also grew significantly, with highlights including advancing a 6.5 MW solar farm in Crowhurst to the planning stage and launching an innovative new project exploring solar microgrids and retrofits. Recognised for their innovation, Energise Sussex Coast created five new green jobs, secured funding for a major solar project, and continued their legacy of empowering local communities to take action.

Having ESC join our Community of Practice represents an exciting opportunity. Their experiences and achievements will offer valuable insights for our partners and network, supporting our collective efforts.