Electricity North West, which operates the region’s power network, has extended the deadline for its Powering our Communities fund until November 16th.

The fund, worth a huge £75,000, is part of the firm’s commitment to supporting the growth of local and community energy to help meet the UK’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Each group or organisation will be able to apply for funding worth up to £20,000 for projects to support community and local energy groups to develop, grow and address energy challenges.

Helen Seagrave, organiser of the fund and community energy manager at Electricity North West, said: “Given the current circumstances throughout the country, we felt it was only right to extend the deadline.

“Community and local energy is going to play a vital role in our future given how the energy landscape is changing.

“We’ve set simple criteria so as plenty of groups and organisations can apply, I’d urge everybody to take a look and submit an application before the new deadline.”

Projects which qualify for funding could be energy efficiency activities such as solar panels for community buildings or scaling up current community or local energy projects.

Funds could also be used to help engage communities to ensure nobody gets left behind as the energy system changes.

Applications for the fund must be submitted by November 16th, to find out more and apply, please visit the Powering our Communities Fund webpage.