Cambridgeshire Constabulary cuts energy costs with new solar canopies through funds secured by CPCA

Cambridgeshire Constabulary cuts energy costs with new solar canopies through funds secured by CPCA

Cambridgeshire Constabulary is set to save thousands of pounds in energy costs following the installation of new solar canopies and panels at its Huntingdon headquarters, funded through £700,000 secured by the Combined Authority from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero via the Great British Energy’s Mayoral Renewable Energy Fund.

Mayor Paul Bristow and Police and Crime Commissioner Daryl Preston visited the site today to mark the project’s completion. The Constabulary is now using more than 90% of the energy generated on-site, significantly reducing bills and freeing up resources to reinvest into frontline policing priorities.

The project was developed with support from the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZ) and 7F Commercial Services, who worked alongside CPCA and DESNZ to deliver with a 390kW solar installation.

This is the first solar canopy project of its kind across the seven eastern region police forces, with the intention of using it as a blueprint to scale similar schemes and strengthen energy resilience across the wider policing network.

Mayor Paul Bristow said:

“Energy prices have been rising sharply, and public services like policing feel that pressure just as much as households. By installing solar canopies, the funding is helping Cambridgeshire Constabulary cut costs and reinvest those savings into keeping our communities safe.

“I’m delighted that we were successful in securing the Great British Energy’s Mayoral Renewable Fund for the Constabulary which will contribute to their energy resilience protecting them from energy price increases and that the savings will be used to reinvest in their services.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston added:

“As a large organisation at the centre of community life, it’s important the Constabulary does what it can to create opportunities to protect our limited resources, ultimately saving taxpayers money and creating a cleaner environment for future generations.

“I would like to thank Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Great British Energy and colleagues from our 7-force partnership who have helped us reach this important milestone and also partners at the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub for their advice throughout the grant application process.” 

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

“Great British Energy is helping your local police constabulary to cut their energy bills with clean, homegrown solar power.

“This is our clean energy mission in action, supporting public services through lower bills for communities in Cambridgeshire and across the UK.”