Harrogate could get its own heating scheme providing cheap energy to residents.

The idea is the first major project undertaken by Harrogate Town Council, which was created this year.

It wants to undertake a feasibility study into the idea of installing centralised systems in various parts of the town, which would allow residents to get renewable energy at affordable prices.

The scheme would prioritise the town’s three most deprived areas for cheap energy first: Bilton, Fairfax and Jennyfields.

The town council plans to submit a bid for £40,000 to the Great British Energy Community Fund, which the government set up to fund feasibility studies into community energy schemes, so there would be no additional cost to the town council precept.

The town council today (August 29) went out to tender to find an organisation to develop a bid on its behalf.

Whoever is selected will be expected to determine whether such a scheme could succeed and what next steps would be required.

Bids must be submitted by September 19. The town council is due to select its preferred supplier on September 25.

Applications must be sent to the Great British Energy Community Fund by November 12.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s local area energy plan for Harrogate and the Dales, published in December 2023, suggested ways to a low-carbon energy system by 2040.

The plan identified potential for district heating in the central civic and commercial area of Harrogate, but this scheme would operate across a wider area.