The issue

The growth of local authority community energy schemes plateaued in the mid 1990s but now demand for a new generation of systems is growing largely due to the Government's recent directive that large UK cities should investigate opportunities to establish Energy Service Companies (ESCo's) through public/private partnerships.

The Government believes that ESCo's can play a key role in delivering sustainable, low carbon energy solutions, and Vital Energi are well placed to work with these organisations to meet the growing future energy demands of our largest cities.

The solution

Members of the Vital Energi team have worked with local authorities for more than 25 years. Some of our most experienced staff members gained their in-depth knowledge of community energy schemes through years of service to local authorities while employed on the development and management of district heating installations.

In fact their catalogue of work represents approximately 70 per cent of the UK's entire community heating networks, including substantial systems installed in cities like Nottingham, Sheffield, Leicester, Manchester and various parts of London during the 1980s and 1990s

And when, in 2001, the Government undertook to support the growth of community energy schemes through the Community Energy Programme (CEP), Vital Energi successfully delivered more schemes than any other single organisation.

We've worked on contracts won through successful tendering as well as on partnered projects undertaken on an open book basis. We've also gained a reputation for adding value to community energy schemes through design and product specification, as well as practical installation advice, and in many occasions, our services have been provided as nominated specialist.

We can also assist with proposal and design, project installation and asset management including operation and maintenance, as well as metering and billing.

In short, Vital Energi has a long and successful history of working with local authorities, and a phenomenal track record of delivering best value community energy schemes.