News - Page 4
The real cost of a heat pump
Heat pumps are one of the most efficient, low-carbon ways to heat your home – but what do they really cost? This guide explains installation prices, running costs, grants, and practical steps to make sure a heat pump works for your home, your comfort, and your long-term energy savings.
Your Home Retrofit Guide
Retrofit means improving your home so it keeps heat in, stays comfortable, and costs less to run. This practical guide explains what to do first, where to find grants and trusted advice, and how to make the right improvements in the right order — helping you plan a warmer, healthier, more efficient home.
Rooftop vs ground-mounted solar
Rooftop or ground-mounted solar? It’s a question we hear often – and the answer is that we need both. Rooftop solar makes use of existing buildings and local generation, while ground-mounted solar delivers scale, lower costs, and even supports nature. Together, they form the backbone of Oxfordshire’s clean, resilient energy system.
Invest in our clean energy future
Our Community Energy Fund remains open for investment, raising vital funds to develop more community-owned renewable energy projects across Oxfordshire. We’ve just published an updated Share Offer Document, now including the latest figures from our Annual Report and Accounts. You can read it here. Recent progress Since re-launching the Fund as an open offer in […]
How to make your home more energy efficient
Many UK homes waste energy through poor insulation, draughts, and outdated systems. Discover how to make your home more energy efficient – from simple, low-cost fixes to long-term upgrades that cut bills, boost comfort, and help build a cleaner, fairer energy future for Oxfordshire.
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.