PRESS RELEASE – Community-Led Energy Future Begins with New DSO Trial in Northumberland
Community-Led Energy Future Begins with New DSO Trial in Northumberland
Humshaugh, UK, TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The village of Humshaugh, Northumberland, with 622 residents, is leading the way in a groundbreaking rural energy trial called HELM (Humshaugh Energy Local Management), set to be a major step toward reshaping how rural communities specifically can manage and consume energy for the benefit of everyone living within them.
Managed and delivered by partners Ricardo plc, alongside Humshaugh Net Zero CIC and Entrust Microgrid Ltd on behalf of Northern Powergrid, the Humshaugh Energy Local Management (HELM) initiative aims to trial the integration of as many local renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, EV chargers, heat pumps and smart microgrid technologies as possible on domestic and community properties to reduce complete reliance on centralised utilities and improve local energy efficiency.
The HELM team will begin approaching residents in September with details on the trial and information about how they can get involved in time for winter testing from October. Newsletters, letters and public meetings will be used to engage with everyone to achieve ideally over 100 eligible properties. The first public meeting will be in Humshaugh on 20th September from 10 am. Participants in the trial will be rewarded with shopping vouchers.
HELM is one of four regional electricity network innovation trials selected by Northern Powergrid, the electricity distribution network operator for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire as part of the £14.5m five-year long flagship Community Distribution System Operation project, funded by the energy markets regulator, Ofgem.
“We are delighted all members of the HELM trial team have mobilised so quickly to manage our second Smart Local Energy System (SLES) market trial in our Community DSO project.
“The team are working well together as our lead rural trial consortium and are already piloting their technology in five homes in readiness to register participants across the community for the winter and next summer.
“The trial in Humshaugh will run for one year to investigate what circumstances can accelerate the connection of mass low carbon technology connections, such as solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging at hyperlocal levels.
The goal is to create a sustainable, flexible energy ecosystem where energy use and production are balanced locally. The trial will further enhance Humshaugh’s local energy resilience, strengthen community independence and give the residents more control over their energy future.”
[Jane Watson, Innovation Community Engagement Lead, Northern Powergrid]
“The Community DSO project is a pioneering initiative that will empower the residents of Humshaugh to take control of their energy future. By enabling regions to manage their energy, we can build community, foster greater resilience, reduce carbon emissions and create a more equitable energy landscape.”
[Olivia Carpenter-Lomax, Head of Clean Energy Infrastructure, Ricardo]
“Humshaugh continues to drive forward initiatives to deliver Net Zero by 2030. With a significant number of low-carbon technology devices already installed throughout the village, and a 1 MW community solar farm with battery storage due to be built in 2026, we see the potential for significant learning opportunity to be delivered by this project.”
[David Still CBE, Director, Humshaugh Net Zero CIC]
The HELM project is focussing on:
- Energy Independence: Advanced energy systems to reduce dependence on the national grid.
- Renewable Integration: Support local use of renewables to cut carbon and boost self-sufficiency.
- Community Governance: Residents actively involved in shaping and managing local energy systems.
- Smart Technology: Use smart microgrids and energy storage to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs.
The Community DSO project represents a significant step toward a sustainable, decentralised energy future. As climate change continues to challenge traditional energy systems, local energy solutions offer a promising alternative.
What’s Next?
As Trial 2 progresses, the project team will continue to engage with community members, stakeholders, and energy experts to refine the system. The data collected will help inform future trials and ultimately contribute to the development of a scalable model for communities everywhere.
Contact Information:
For more information about Trial 2, or to get involved, please contact:
HELM Project Team
trial@humshaughnetzero.org
David Still – 07900 917047
Notes to Editors
Northern Powergrid
Media contact: pressoffice@northernpowergrid.com or call 0800 500 3175 (24 hour).
Northern Powergrid is the electricity distribution network operator for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. It delivers power safely and reliably to eight million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses through its network of more than 78,000 substations and 60,000 miles of overhead power lines and underground cables, spanning some 9,650 square miles. Find more news about Northern Powergrid at www.northernpowergrid.com/news and follow the network operator @NorthernPowergrid via Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Northern Powergrid’s Community DSO Flagship Innovation Project
Northern Powergrid Northeast plc is the managing organisation and lead electricity network sponsor of Community Distribution System Operation (Community DSO), a £14.5m UK industry-first innovation project funded by Ofgem on behalf of the UK Electricity Distribution Networks.
Running from 2023 to 2028, Community DSO aims to develop and trial a future electricity framework that empowers local rural and urban communities to work with electricity networks to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies, reduce peak network loads, and enable faster, larger-scale deployment of clean energy solutions. £7m is being spent across four distinctly different geographical areas within NPg’s operational regions to test what circumstances a community-led community distribution system operation could be attractive to any rural and urban communities nationwide in the near future. Publicly available project documentation can be accessed on the UK Electricity Networks Association portal.
Humshaugh village has been selected as it is considered the ideal UK rural archetypal village in Northern Powergrid’s operational region in which to demonstrate a new smarter energy community approach. Up to £1.64m will be spent by the consortium partners managing this rural H.E.L.M. trial as a whole. Visit Community DSO | Northern Powergrid
Ricardo plc
Ricardo plc is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company. With over 100 years of engineering excellence in more than 20 countries, we provide exceptional levels of expertise in delivering innovative cross-sector sustainable outcomes to support energy transition and environmental services, together with safe and smart mobility. Our global team of consultants, environmental specialists, engineers and scientists solve the most complex and dynamic challenges to help achieve a safe and sustainable world. Visit www.ricardo.com
Humshaugh Net Zero CIC
Established in 2020, HNZ is a community-driven Community Interest Company (CIC), formed by residents of the parish of Humshaugh in Northumberland: their mission: to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across the parish by 2030.
Humshaugh—a rural, off-gas-grid community—faces unique energy challenges. HNZ stands out as a successful bottom-up climate initiative, showing how a small village can mobilize, innovate, and deliver impactful local solutions that significantly reduce carbon footprints.
They also serve as an inspiring model for other communities, offering open access to their knowledge, findings, and history to help others replicate or adapt their approach. Visit https://humshaughnetzero.org/HELM
Entrust Microgrid Ltd
Founded in December 2018, Entrust Microgrid has been pioneering smart microgrid technologies, focusing on development of smart hybrid DC- and AC-networked microgrids for the built environment. Entrust Microgrid has secured over £10 million grants/funds, contracts and investments, developing Entrust Smart Microgrid system solutions with integrated solar PV/BIPV, battery storage, EV charger and heat pump through smart energy management systems (EMS) for households, businesses and communities. Visit www.entrustmicrogrid.com