News - Page 2
Is there really such a thing as free solar panels?
Is there really such a thing as free solar panels? With energy prices still high, many households are wondering whether solar can really be installed for free – or if those online offers are too good to be true. We explain which government-backed schemes genuinely support low-income households, who qualifies, and how to avoid misleading or fraudulent offers.
How to choose a good solar installer
As more households turn to solar to cut energy bills and carbon emissions, demand for installations is rising fast. But with so many new companies entering the market, choosing the right installer can be confusing. Our guide explains how to find a trustworthy solar installer, what to check before you sign, and how to protect yourself from common pitfalls – with insights from local experts and community experience across Oxfordshire.
What is Consumer-Led Flexibility and What it Means for You
Consumer-Led Flexibility (CLF) is set to play a vital role in the energy transition, benefitting homes and businesses. It can help lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and make our electricity system more resilient. What exactly is consumer-led flexibility? In simple terms, consumer-led flexibility (CLF) involves shifting when you use electricity to help balance the […]
Great British Energy: What the New Strategic Priorities Mean for Community Energy
On 16 September 2025, the UK Government published its Statement of Strategic Priorities for Great British Energy (GBE). For community energy groups and local climate initiatives, the announcement signals fresh opportunities, but also important challenges. Communities at the Heart of the Transition GBE is a publicly-owned, operationally independent clean energy company with a clear mission: […]-
Consumer-led flexibility: our response to government
The government recently sought views on the best way to engage people in ‘consumer-led flexibility’. This could be an important part of the energy transition. It can help people save energy, cut bills, reduce carbon emissions and ease pressure on the grid. But most people don’t yet know what it means or how to take […] 
Our impact - prosperity and perception
See how community energy in Oxfordshire delivers returns for investors, lower bills for hosts, and lasting benefits for people and the planet.
Making heat pumps mainstream in the UK
Low Carbon Hub was out in force at Heat Pump Summit 2025 at the Blavatnik School of Government. Here are the practical takeaways to make heat pumps the obvious choice: close the electricity–gas “spark gap”, move grid checks earlier, back trusted installers, and make aftercare standard—plus why neighbour-to-neighbour proof beats myths.
Our impact - people
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do – from our community groups, host organisations, programme partners, and funders, to everyone who subscribes to our newsletters and helps spread the word on social media. Together, our network of people form an incredible ecosystem that supports the transformation towards a zero-carbon energy system. Our diverse […]
A House Like Mine
Wondering what energy upgrades could do for your home? A House Like Mine brings you real stories from across Oxfordshire – from Victorian terraces to modern flats. Each household has a tailored Whole House Plan, showing how practical steps can make homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to run. See how people like you are cutting carbon and planning for the future.
Eco-homes in Oxfordshire
The national housing shortage is a hot topic at the moment, as are the carbon emissions associated with new developments (such as Salt Cross in West Oxfordshire). I recently visited a unique eco-homes project in Eynsham to find out more about how communal living can set a positive precedent. When entering the site of Mike […]-
Our impact - planet
We measure the impact we achieve against four key metrics: Planet, Prosperity, People, and Perception. So what impact are we having on the planet, both in Oxfordshire and beyond? Our renewable energy portfolio performed well over the last year, with improved reliability across all generating assets. The most significant improvement work focused on Sandford Hydro, […] 
Our community group membership hits a Fantastic Fifty!
Welcome to our three new community groups Go Green Hanborough Go Green Hanborough, a new community group in West Oxfordshire, formed in 2025 in response to the Community Action Plan for Zero Carbon Energy, (CAPZero), in the Eynsham Primary Substation Area. CAPZero is the first local energy action plan in the UK to be developed at […]