Rural communities are finding ways, with help from government, to make energy savings.
In the north-west of England micro and social enterprises are being invited to apply for a grant from a new fund that supports
renewable energy.
The Rural Carbon Challenge Fund was launched in February and is offering grants of between £200,000 and £500,000 to small organisations that are looking to bring renewable energy to their area.
With support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the aim is not only to encourage not only competitiveness amongst agricultural and forestry companies and diversify the UK's rural economy, but also to simply improve the quality of life in those areas.
Specifically, in the north-west, the project will focus on wind, water and woodfuel energy with applicants including charities and community groups.
Starting from April 1st, the fund will employ five staff who will deliver its resources across the north-west to those who successfully obtain a grant.
In addition the fund is offering one-to-one support for organisations which are preparing the funding applications this month.
The desire for both rural energy savings and community inspired projects is not limited to one small corner of England.
In the US, three senators have introduced plans to adopt a nationwide Rural Energy Savings Program.
Around $5 billion (£3.3 billion) in government funding would be provided to companies looking to produce energy from renewable sources and it is said the programme could create between 20,000 and 40,000 jobs across America.
According to the Cheraw Chronicle, the plans are modelled upon a very successful
electricity cooperatives plan in South Carolina designed to help homeowners save on their
home energy bills.
Not only has it put money back in the pockets of consumers but it has put money into the pockets of newly employed workers. The plan is said to have created 2,100 jobs in the US state this year.
In total the plan is expected to create more than 4,500 jobs.
Back in the north-west of England and elsewhere in the UK, we may yet see similar job creation in years to come.
