Social DSO Fund

Social DSO Fund

As part of our social DSO strategy we've enhanced what was our Powering our Communities Fund, and is now our Social DSO Fund, to better support community energy groups with matched funding and a structured governance framework that promotes fair access, co-investment and outcome-based support.

Our new Social DSO Fund will support communities by providing matched funding for projects that install assets (such as battery storage) and take part in local flexibility markets. This will help us to distribute investment more fairly across the region and help to build a greener, more resilient and more inclusive energy network. Applications can be submitted at any time.

The new fund will continue to support investment in clean energy, sustainability and climate-related projects by providing grants for initiatives such as community EV charging hubs, solar projects and energy-saving ideas.

Since our launch in October 2025... 

Six organisations have already jointly benefitted from more than £110,000 which they will use to buy new or expand their existing sustainable energy systems to support the North West’s and Great Britain’s greener energy future. This equates to more than £166,000 in wider societal benefits when utilising our cost benefit analysis calculator - more coming on this soon!

They are: 

• Burneside Community Energy: Expanding local renewable generation with solar PV panels and battery storage to cut emissions, store clean power and increase community energy independence.
• EnergyCloud Foundation: A pilot that captures renewable energy and redirects it to vulnerable households offering an innovative route to affordable warmth.
• Solar for Schools: Enhancing on-site renewables at a local school with battery storage, reducing bills and providing hands‑on learning opportunities for students.
• NHS: Installing battery storage at a health facility to boost resilience, cut carbon and support essential services during peak demand.
• Culterham Hall: Transforming the village hall into a low‑carbon resilience hub, providing a warm, energy‑efficient and reliable community space during extreme weather or emergencies.
• Greystoke District Sports Association: Creating on-site storage for Cumbrian-based open-air community swimming pool, reducing bills, boosting resilience and opening access to local flexibility markets.

Apply now

Whether you’re a neighbourhood organisation, school, council, local climate group, or community group in the North West, we all have an essential role to play in the future of our energy system. The Social DSO fund is here to help you turn your ideas into impact. Get in touch now by emailing SocialDSO@enwl.co.uk

The window for our next funding is open now and will remain open until Friday 27 March 2026.