Northumberland

Powering people

Engaging with off-grid communities

The Rural Design Centre (RDC), in collaboration with Community Action Northumberland (CAN), investigated a serious issue in Northumberland: there are over 350 households living without access to electricity, and not by choice. RDC’s mission was to understand the challenges faced by these individuals and take steps towards addressing them. To accomplish this, members of the team visited their homes, conducted interviews, and documented their daily struggles. 

Off Grid Communities

Jamie Campbell, of RDC, explains more:

How relationships were built

  • Christine Nicholls, from CAN, already had a good relationship with several off-grid families, her introductions were a key part of the project planning. 

  • Ahead of us visiting people, Christine forwarded the questions we wanted to ask, this was done to ensure that we did not make anyone feel uncomfortable and give people the chance to include any subject areas that they wished. 

  • We have since stayed connected with the people we visited during that initial research and send regular communications with information that could be beneficial.  

Our key successes

By undertaking the research, we identified several areas where help was needed: 

  • Engineering services: Previously, there were no local engineers to service off-grid household generators. We've filled this gap by facilitating the establishment of Rural Generator Services.
  • Renewable energy: Tenants, particularly farmers, had limited options to install renewable energy systems on buildings they do not own. We have introduced a semi-mobile renewable energy unit available for hire.
  • Reduce reliance on diesel generators: We've collated knowledge on what's needed to help households become less reliant on diesel generators, thus lowering their emissions. 20 household energy surveys have been completed, with costed proposals for installing renewables, and, where known, the cost of grid connections. CAN and RDC are continuing to look for funding to support the install of renewable solutions.   
  • Support: There's now a concerted effort from Northumberland County Council and Northumberland National Park as the local planning authorities to lend their support wherever possible. 

Our key challenges

  • Access to more finance would be great to help people get renewable equipment that will save them money and time. 

  • Engaging with people who have been offered help over the years, that has never materialised into anything useful, has been a challenge, and one in which we have not overcome in some areas of Northumberland.  

Our top tips

  • Find someone who is already trusted in the community to make any initial introductions. 

  • Allow people to become engaged on their terms, as opposed to trying to engage people in predefined activities.  

  • Talk to people, show empathy, try and help in any way possible.  

Contact details

Liz Gray (liz.gray@ruraldesigncentre.com) 

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