COMMUNITIES are being invited to help shape their own energy future as a new county-wide project explores how renewable power could work at a truly local level.

Wiltshire Council has launched the Future Energy Landscapes project, giving residents and businesses the chance to discuss how energy is produced, used and potentially owned within their own communities.

The initiative is being delivered by the Centre for Sustainable Energy and funded through Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme, which uses money from energy company enforcement actions.

A series of community workshops is already under way, or set to begin early this year, in areas including Tisbury, Westbury, Staverton, Hilperton, Semington, Great Hinton, Corsham, Pewsey, Manningford, Winsley, Holt and Bradford on Avon.

The sessions are open to anyone living nearby and are designed to reflect local priorities, concerns and opportunities.

Rather than promoting specific schemes, the workshops focus on open discussion and clear, evidence-based information.

Residents can learn how community-led energy projects work, what benefits they can bring and what steps would be needed if a community wanted to take an idea forward.

Any potential projects would still be subject to further consultation and the normal planning process.

Cllr Paul Sample JP, cabinet member for environment, climate and waste, said the project is about empowering people, not imposing change.

“This is about communities shaping their own energy future,” he said. “Bringing people together to talk openly can clear up misconceptions around renewable energy and show how some local projects will have the chance to cut costs, strengthen resilience and benefit whole communities.”

Residents can find out more and register their interest through the council’s renewable energy webpages.