Trust supports new community benefits scheme

 

The Fermanagh Trust has invested in Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE). Set up in 2014, NICE aims to provide community-owned low carbon energy services across Northern Ireland.

NICE helps the environment, helps the community and is built upon principles of fairness, creating community owned renewable energy projects with financial revenues staying within the local community. The not-for-profit community benefit society is managed entirely by volunteers based on models tried and tested in Europe and the UK.

NICE’s first project will be the installation of solar PV arrays on the roofs of NI third sector owned buildings such as charities, community groups and churches. This will not only reduce carbon emissions and showcase low carbon technologies but also provide an opportunity for local residents to own a stake in the provision of essential local services and provide discounted renewable electricity to users of the community buildings.  The society aims to create a community fund for future renewable energy projects and energy efficiency projects.

Director Lauri McCusker said “The Fermanagh Trust is delighted to invest in this exciting opportunity. The concept fits in line with our work as we have long advocated the importance of schemes like this which ensure renewable energy investments provide a return for our economy and our community. In particular we are pleased to see that any funds raised from this scheme will go towards community energy saving initiatives to tackle fuel poverty. There is certainly huge potential and we wish NICE every success.”