Powerless People
Overview
In Northumberland, over 360 households are off-grid, often relying on costly and unreliable renewable systems. Collaborating with Community Action Northumberland, the initiative is designed to connect with these off-grid families, with the primary aim being to enhance their access to affordable, consistent, and sustainable energy. The project is in the recruitment phase, seeking expertise in renewable and off-grid energy to examine the current conditions of these homes and chart a vision for sustainable energy futures.
Project partners
Community Action Northumberland Community Action Northumberland
Rural Design Centre Rural Design Centre
Human Centred Stories Human Stories
Project Journey
Collaboration Initiation: Partnered with Community Action Northumberland (CAN) to identify the challenges and needs of off-grid families.
Mapping: The exact total number of properties off-grid is unknown. RDC, CAN, Northumberland National Park, Northumberland Council and off-grid residents are working to identify and map the properties. Desk research includes collating council tax information with energy supply and MPAN numbers, reviewing previous mapping exercises, and visits on the ground.
Engaging: Extensive conversations with the individuals, families and businesses living and working off-grid, to understand the numerous challenges faced, and hear what changes would bring positive impacts.
Delivery: Commissioning of a videographer to tell the stories from the off-grid communities, to raise awareness and engage with potential solution providers.
Ongoing: An off-grid task force, including all major stakeholders involved in the project continues to meet regularly to progress mapping, develop understanding, discuss and deliver both short and longer-term solutions. The first grid connections are due to be completed in Coquet Valley in early 2025.
Some myths busted about living off-grid
All off-grid properties are in rurally isolated areas.
A large majority are, however, there are still properties on the edge of villages and towns that are not connected to the grid.
People should move into towns if they want to be on mains electricity, we can move everyone into urban areas of Northumberland.
A significant number of off-grid families are working in the hills, such as farmers performing essential roles. If we don’t manage the countryside, it would mean no crops, no grazing fields, and risks from lack of land management include things like rivers flooding.
It must be cheaper to live without electricity.
It is far more expensive. Most off-grid households use diesel generators, they can pay around £8,000 to £12,000 per year (depending on the fluctuating price of oil) for 4 hours of electricity per day.
Can you run everyday appliances from a generator?
If you are off the grid the chances are you can’t have electric kettles, automatic washers, hairdryers/straighteners, tumble driers or even freezers. One householder told us she had to fill her generator with diesel twice to have one bath!
Why don’t the homeowners pay for a connection?
Most connections to the grid can cost around £60,000 if it is straightforward, but most connections aren’t straightforward, if the wires need to run across someone’s land they can refuse permission. The National Park currently insists on underground wires for new connections but going under streams and rivers is incredibly difficult.
Are diesel generators environmentally friendly and reliable?
CO2 emission from one litre of diesel fuel is 2.68kg. Diesel exhaust contains more than 40 toxic air contaminants, including many known or suspected cancer-causing substances and contains other harmful environmental pollutants. In terms of reliability, most households who use a generator have a backup generator in case one breaks down.
What about renewable technology?
PV panels only work in certain conditions as do wind turbines. Hydroelectric is still unreliable and is obviously reliant on water being close by, all would require battery storage to provide a reliable alternative. This may be the only option for some off-grid households.
Impacts
The ripple effects of this initiative are multifaceted and far-reaching. By addressing core energy challenges, households can anticipate a significant reduction in energy costs, transitioning from unreliable sources to dependable, efficient renewable energy solutions. This shift not only bolsters Northumberland's march towards a sustainable future by cutting down carbon footprints but also stands as a beacon for economic growth. The project is poised to invigorate the local job market, creating opportunities in renewable energy installation, maintenance, and related sectors. Furthermore, the tailored research and in-depth recommendations empower households, enabling them to make informed, strategic decisions about their energy consumption and solutions, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.