Views on how local communities can take charge of managing and generating their own energy are being sought by the Government.

This will also deliver a commitment in the Coalition Agreement to encourage community-owned renewables schemes where local people benefit from the power produced.

The news comes comes as research by Databuild Research and Solutions supported by the Energy Saving Trust showed concerns about energy bills as the number one driver for people to get involved in community energy projects. Environmental and social reasons are also cited as important factors.

There are a growing number of community energy projects across the country, from community-run advice services to hydro power turbines in local streams powering hundreds of homes. To reconnect more communities to the energy they use, the Government is looking for views from a range of people and groups to help ensure the new Community Energy Strategy can inspire as many new projects as possible.

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For the communities involved, local projects can lead to direct benefits such as lower energy bills or income from the energy generated. They can also help consumers secure better deals through collective purchasing.

Launching the Call for Evidence at the Repowering London project in Brixton, Energy Secretary Edward Davey said: "Community groups know their local area best, so I want to see them taking control of their own energy projects, generating their own power and shielding themselves against the rising cost of wholesale energy prices.

"This type of collective action has great benefits for local economies, creating jobs, offering the opportunity to develop new skills and injecting investment across the country.

"That's why we set out a clear commitment to supporting community energy in the Coalition Agreement. Later this year we will publish a Community Energy Strategy, setting out our vision, and a clear plan of action for making it happen."

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker added:

"People in villages, towns and cities across the nation are already seeing the real benefits that investing in their own clean green local energy generation can bring.

"But I want to see even more communities taking local power production into their own hands, bringing communities together.

"I would encourage everyone with an interest in this area, from community organisations and local councils to project financiers and energy suppliers to send us their views so we can help make decentralised community energy a reality for many more people."

(CD/IT)