How Ashton Hayes Became One of the UK’s First Smart Energy Villages

Imagine going back to 2005—when net zero wasn’t a buzzword, electric cars were still a novelty, and solar panels were mostly seen on eco-documentaries. In the quiet Cheshire village of Ashton Hayes, however, something remarkable was already underway. While the rest of the country was just waking up to climate change, this small community was gearing up to tackle it head-on.

Nearly two decades later, Ashton Hayes has become one of the UK’s first true smart energy communities, thanks to local action, forward-thinking partnerships, and a determination to build a better future.

Origins

It all began with a simple idea: a “carbon clinic” where locals could get practical advice on living more sustainably. Garry Charnock, the visionary behind the project, recalls how it took off. A school meeting was held to test the waters, and 400 people showed up. That enthusiasm quickly turned into action.

With around 1,000 residents, the village launched the Going Carbon Neutral Project in 2005, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint through small changes in everyday life. Since then, the community has cut emissions by an impressive 40%, proving just how powerful grassroots efforts can be.

Partnership

To scale up their efforts, Ashton Hayes partnered with SP Energy Networks, a major electricity distributor serving over 12 million people across the UK. This partnership helped the village shift from household-level energy tweaks to more ambitious infrastructure projects.

SP Energy Networks started by monitoring the village’s energy use and helping identify where solar panels could be installed. This included figuring out how to connect them efficiently to the power grid—something most communities wouldn’t have the expertise to handle alone.

Thanks to a £400,000 government grant and nearly £300,000 raised locally, solar panels were fitted on the primary school and the sports pavilion.

Benefits

And the results? Pretty inspiring.

• The primary school cut its energy bills by one-third
• The sports pavilion now generates income from its solar energy, helping fund maintenance
• Many households halved their bills through insulation and energy efficiency

This kind of progress shows just what’s possible when a village thinks—and acts—like a team.

Expansion

SP Energy Networks isn’t stopping with Ashton Hayes. Their new Community Energy Strategy aims to replicate this success across England, Scotland, and Wales. The goal? Help the UK generate enough community-based renewable energy to power two million homes by 2030.

To get there, they’ve developed detailed Community Energy Guides that anyone can access online. These tools help local groups:

• Assess energy needs for electricity, heating, and transport
• Create a Local Energy Plan
• Explore renewable generation and local energy trading
• Connect with experts and advisors for hands-on support

Involvement

Local leaders like Kate Harrison, director of the Community Energy Company and a long-time Ashton Hayes resident, have played a major role. She’s been part of everything from solar projects at the school to the community-run Golden Lion pub and local shop.

Kate shared how SP Energy Networks supported the community shop by identifying its baseline energy consumption, helping the team choose the right equipment and plan for future savings.

She says the project’s visibility and public engagement have been key: “There’s always someone to help when we’ve run into issues with installation or grid connections.”

Roadmap

SP Energy Networks’ new Community Energy Strategy outlines how they plan to keep the momentum going. It includes:

• Lessons learned over the past year
• New tools and resources for communities
• A focus on smarter, low-carbon heating and energy solutions
• Continued support for new projects and connections

As Louise Taylor, Community Energy Manager, puts it: “Community groups are leading the charge. Our goal is to provide them with the support and knowledge they need to succeed.”

If your village or town is considering a renewable project, Taylor recommends starting with your energy provider. They’ll help figure out what’s possible, what you’ll need, and how to get started.

Future

Ashton Hayes is no longer just a quaint English village—it’s a living example of what can happen when people take energy into their own hands. With the right tools, the right partnerships, and a lot of local spirit, any community can become a smart energy hub.

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