Local energy is the delivery of renewable energy projects involving a range of public, private and community organisations for the benefit of local consumers operating within a defined area.
An introduction to Local Energy
Don't know where to begin?
Our guide to getting started
Already have an idea or proposal?
Local contacts
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) offers a range of financial support to local energy projects. We can also help you with ongoing support, mentoring, advice and more.
An introduction to funding
Need advice?
Contact your Local Development Officer
Our free resources are here to help you with your local energy project. Explore our list of guides and reports, download resources, find a partner and more.
Resources overview
Can't find what you need?
Contact your Local Development Officer
Be inspired by our selection of projects and case studies that feature useful hints and details on projects undertaken. CARES looks to support innovation in Scotland’s renewable energy industry and to encourage learning by example.
Explore Case Studies
Latest Case Study Alford and District Men’s Shed
Local Energy Scotland is a consortium that administers and manage the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
About us
Latest Post Opening the door to local energy schemes – complex site classes

Simon Lee

Organisation Name: Simon Lee
Contact Name: CARES project: Creag Riabhach (Altnaharra) – Community Shared Ownership
Technologies:

Wind

Area of Expertise:

Delegation skills
Community engagement
Workload management
Working with advisors and support organisations
Project planning/ implementation
Developing stakeholder relationships
Succession planning
Communicating well (about project/ to stakeholders)
Business acumen
Improving governance

Mentoring is about helping you (the mentee) find the best way forward for you. It is not about me (the mentor) telling you what to do.

Mentoring can sound a bit airy-fairy, particularly if you are feeling under-resourced and juggling stakeholders (some supportive and some not so supportive) whilst trying to liaise with experts fluent in impenetrable jargon. You might also have funders who seem to be less than helpful, and everything, EVERYTHING, takes far too long, except when everything happens all at once.

And somehow, you are the one left trying to hold it all together.

As your mentor I will be a calm presence helping you to find answers, to plot ways forward and discover or anticipate problems before they get too serious. Even with my 40 years of working in the voluntary sector/community development (at all levels, from volunteer to CEO and Director) I don’t know all the answers. I can’t tell you what to do because every situation is unique, but I will commit my full attention and help you to find the best way for you.

My main CARES experience is related to developing wind energy, partnerships with developers, and bringing communities together.

Simon Lee

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