Penrith BID Prospectus 2023-2028

A MESSAGE FROM ANDY JONES

THE CHAIR OF THE PENRITH

INDUSTRIAL

BID

Today the three estates which make up the Penrith Business Parks are very different places to the ones we were working in 5 years ago. The installation of the signage now makes it easier for all to navigate round the estates. The estates are all much tidier and better maintained than ever before, creating a great first impression. We’ve never been better protected with the installation of the CCTV cameras & the nightly mobile patrols. More importantly we have become a business community.

The BID has been the driving force and deliverer of these changes. From infrastructure and security to new services, marketing, training, events and other initiatives, the Penrith Industrial Estate BID has been at the centre of it all.

I hope you would agree that since the BID was established things have dramatically improved. We want to continue to make the Estates a better place to work shop and do business. The end of September sees the BID complete its first term but hopefully the start of another 5 years as we look to you for your support for a second term.

Without the BID, we can’t take the estates to the next level, we lose our collective voice and ability to influence outside organisations, and ultimately we will not be able to deliver the projects outlined in this proposal.

As businesses we now have a choice to make.

A ‘YES’ vote will ensure that we continue to work together to further develop and enhance the Penrith Business Parks for all. To continue with keeping it clean, well maintained, safe and welcoming. To continue with having one voice representing over 150 businesses. To continue with bringing businesses together through events and training and to continue to work on your behalf to deliver projects which will benefit us all.

A ’NO’ vote means we lose all of this. No clean and safe environment to work in. No seagull controls. No representative voice. No projects. No BID.

We would therefore ask you to read this prospectus and the associated business plan carefully and join with us to vote in favour of this Business Improvement District for the Penrith Industrial Estates.

The board look forward to working with you over a second 5 year term, further improving our trading environment and enhancing those companies that lie within its boundaries.

Finally and probably most importantly is to say Thank You. Thank you for all of your support. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to act on your behalf to deliver the projects that we have achieved so far. Thank you for getting involved. Thank you for your feedback and also thank you to the other Directors, past & present, as well as our consultants, Amanda & Richard, who have worked tirelessly to make the Penrith Business Parks the great place is it is today.

Andy Jones

THE VISION

Through a business-led programme of investment the vision of the Penrith Industrial BID is to continuously improve the trading and working environment on Penrith Business Parks, so that it is a great place to work, shop and do business. This vision captures a future for the Penrith Business Parks where the BID provides the necessary momentum, energy and drive to deliver ongoing benefits for businesses and their staff.

The BID investment programme will be delivered through four key strategic objectives and their related activities identified in this prospectus.

www.penrithbusinessparks.co.uk

ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE BID’S FIRST TERM

WORKING TOGETHER Communication with Levy Payers

• Training benefitting estate businesses. This has included amongst others mental health, first aid, manual handling and defibrillator training as well as that provided through the previous arrangement with Cumbria Growth Hub. The pandemic did curb the BID’s activity in this area but 2022 saw the issue of a training programme which is set to continue into 2023 and beyond

• Installation of four defibrillators across the estates

• Regular monthly communications to all levy payers via email

• Networking meetings – some have been arranged but these have been stymied due to the pandemic. Here again a networking programme saw a number of events being held during 2022 and these are set to continue into 2023 and beyond

• New website providing opportunities to advertise job posts, promotions, social media stories, any events and much more

• Website updated on monthly basis to include minutes of board meetings and financial details of the BID

• Ongoing visits to all businesses

• Help and assistance provided for all levy payers on any estate issues

• Working closely with EDC and other local agencies to provide opportunities for businesses. Since inception the BID has provided all estate businesses with opportunities to work with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce in respect of support and grants. Also working with EDC on many initiatives which were grant based and offers of wider support from Lancaster University local entrepreneurs.

BRAND & IMAGE

Improving the Image of the Estates

BRAND

• Creation of a new brand ‘Penrith Business Parks’ bringing together all 3 estates together with associated signage

• Subsequent marketing of the ‘Parks’ and its businesses through a business directory and new website: www.penrithbusinessparks.co.uk

• Ongoing marketing through a social media campaign using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

IMAGE

• Landscape works, maintenance of verges and planting to improve the image of the estates.

• Ensuring that Eden District Council adhere to the Baseline Services Agreement held between it and the BID covering such areas as grass cutting, street cleansing, waste collection etc.

• Close communication with key stakeholders including Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council and CCC Highways.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Creating a Safe & Secure Trading Environment

• Installation of CCTV cameras at the entrances and exits of each of the estates

• Overnight Mobile Security Patrols operating 365 days of the year.

• Forensic DNA Kits provided to all businesses

• Continual review of overnight parking of HGV’s including associated litter issues

• Identification of potential parking areas on the estates to alleviate parking issues

• Establishment of a police liaison group with Cumbria Police Constabulary.

IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY

Creating a more accessible trading environment

• New entry and exit signs completed November 2020.

• New wayfaring signs erected in 2022

• Improvements to various cycle ways/pedestrian entrances to allow easier access to employees and customers of estate businesses.

CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

Promoting a Clean, Managed Environment

• Control of seagull population – this has proven difficult due to changes in legislation which has strengthened seagull protection. However, various methods have been used to deter seagulls from nesting including the use of birds of prey and mobile bird scarers. This will continue into 2023 and beyond and it is hoped that overtime this should reduce the seagull population.

• Appointment of a BID Warden in April 2021 to clear litter from areas across the estates. This will continue into 2023 and beyond with the litter clearance team from Mencap – ‘FixIt for Eden’

The aims of the businesses on the Penrith estates are not always going to align with the council and some of the projects which might benefit the businesses do not come under the purview of the council. The BID has been a great instrument to raise funds for our collective aims and direct them to focused areas for the benefit of the estates. A further term of the BID will allow this most beneficial local administration and stewardship to continue.

Peter Hilton – Cumbria Mailing

WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) AND WHY DO WE NEED ONE?

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a precisely defined geographical area where the businesses vote to invest collectively in local improvements to enhance their trading environment. The businesses decide what they want the BID to do, they vote to create it and they run it by the rules they agree.

BIDs were enabled by Parliament through the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations in 2004. This legislation was based on the experience of successful BID activity in America, and originally in Canada where they have been operating since the 1960s. BIDs must comply with these Regulations but they are designed to allow businesses to operate them in a way that meets their needs.

BIDs can only be created for a maximum of five years through a vote (a ballot). In order for a BID to carry on businesses must vote in a renewal ballot every five years. There are now almost 300 BIDs operating in town centres and industrial estates throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. More information about BIDs is available from British BIDs at www. britishbids.infomn 25

WHY WE NEED TO CONTINUE THE PENRITH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BID

The reason businesses voted to create the Penrith Industrial BID in 2018 was because the business district needed to improve in a number of ways and there was no one else with the necessary means to deliver the outcomes required.

Things have improved in many ways since the creation of the BID but some of the same challenges remain. In some respects, the challenges are even greater. Specifically, there is still no other organisation or mechanism that will generate the necessary funds or whose sole purpose is to ensure Penrith Business Parks is a great place to work, shop and do business. The Parks are very different places now to what they were, but there is no room for complacency. The improvements experienced in recent years have been delivered by or involved the BID. If we want to keep these and build on them it is essential to retain the BID as the influential “voice” of the Penrith Business Parks because no one else is going to do it. This is particularly important as the new unitary authority comes into being and old alliances are lost.

As you would expect from a business-led initiative, it focuses on and addresses the very highest priorities identified by the businesses themselves. Under the legislation that enables BIDs to be created, there is also a requirement for local authorities to prepare a Baseline Services Statement, thereby setting out what services they currently deliver across the BID area. This in itself adds value as it allows us to hold the authorities to account as regard the frequency and quality of these services. So just to be clear, the BID does not seek to duplicate the services of local government, but instead seeks to add value in ways that appeal to the businesses that are paying into the BID.

In short, the BID is needed because some things may never get done without it.

RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION

Fundamental to how the Penrith Industrial BID operates is the opinion of businesses. This proposal has been determined by you. A variety of methods have been used to ensure the widest possible participation and feedback about what the priorities ought to be and how the BID Levy fund ought to be invested.

To formulate this Business Plan a number of sources of information has been drawn upon, including:

• Penrith Industrial Estate BID Survey sent to all 150 businesses on the estates by email – August 2022

• Focus Group Meetings throughout July 2022

• One to One meetings with business owners and managers as well as gathering views submitted directly to the BID during the normal course of business

• BID information and training events

• Coverage in the e-newsletters and annual bulletins

• The BID Annual General Meetings

I support the BID because it has made great changes to the industrial estates and in my opinion will continue to do so. The litter picking and the new signage are two examples which have greatly improved the business environment. Vote yes to make sure all these improvements continue on the estate and we don’t go back to where we were before 2018.

Alan Walton – Jim Walton Penrith

THE RESULTS

30% of levy payers actively engaged across the BID consultations giving us valuable information about how levy money should be spent. Engaged businesses came from across the different industrial estates.

• 50% of businesses strongly supported the continuation of the existing monitored CCTV coverage as well as exploring ways of extending the coverage.

• 50% of businesses strongly supported initiatives and support to help reduce energy use and achieve Zero Carbon as well as providing help and support to install shared renewable energy systems

• 63% strongly supported the continuation of maintaining verges and shrub areas

• 50% strongly supported planting, floral schemes and landscaping, whilst encouraging and enhancing biodiversity

• 78% strongly supported the continuation of seagull controls

• 73% strongly supported the continuation of litter picking.

It is also clear that the majority of levy payers who responded both via the survey and focus groups were keen to see the BID wardens continue their work in relation to improving the appearance of the estates. Keeping companies informed and promoting businesses featured highly.

Of those who completed the survey, 80% said they would vote ‘YES’ to the BID if the projects and improvements that they selected were within another five year term.

Refer to the Survey Report appended to the business plan for more details of the survey responses received.

OBJECTIVE ONE WORKING TOGETHER

THE FUTURE

Although businesses have told us that they want the work to continue to create a functional and effective operating environment they also felt that now was the time to build on this work and improve Penrith Business Parks even further to be recognised as a premier business destination.

Many of business priorities remain the same such as a security and a clean environment but they also reflect the changing trends and requirements of businesses which have been reflected in the survey results and feedback and used in the preparation of this plan.

The business priorities for a second term have been grouped into four key objectives.

• Develop strong links with the new Westmorland and Furness Council and other business organisations

• Continue and develop the promotion of job vacancies and apprenticeships through the Penrith Business Parks website

• Work with the Penrith Chamber and other local business organisations to ensure the voice of businesses within Penrith Business Parks is considered in local and regional decisions

• Procure services from businesses on the estates whenever possible and in line with cost efficiency requirements

• Continue to provide training and networking opportunities

• Continue to develop the Penrith Business Parks website, the business directory and the promotion of the estates and its businesses

• Continue to disseminate information which is useful and relevant to businesses from local, regional and national organisations

• Market and promote Penrith Business Parks, for the benefit of all businesses, through the website and social media channels

ESTIMATED AMOUNT THE BID WILL SPEND

Initial budget Year 1 - £22,500

Increased by Year 5 to £27,300

Total over the 5 year term of the BID - £124,199

OBJECTIVE TWO INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT & ACCESS

• Provide a great infrastructure and a smart working environment for businesses to operate and people and services to access and move around, safely and effectively

• Work with all relevant agencies to improve the efficiency of the estates covering such areas as improvements to junction lining, signage and traffic calming measures including digital speed signage.

• Continue to monitor HGV parking

• Continue to review parking requirements within Penrith Business Parks, following the installation of additional parking

• Work closely with the new Westmorland and Furness Council and explore other funding opportunities that can provide better services to the estates

• Ensure the infrastructure and facilities on offer meet expectations associated with a premier business destination so that businesses can function, staff are satisfied, and visitors are impressed

• Ensure that all footpath routes to the estates are fit for purpose

• Maintain and extend the network of defibrillator machines linked with training in their use

ESTIMATED AMOUNT THE BID WILL SPEND

Initial budget Year 1 - £15,000

Yr2 - £7,500 rising to £8,950 in Yr5

Total over the 5 year term of the BID - £47,700

I support the BID because it has made a tremendous difference to the accessibility and safety and security of the estate, to our employees and to our visitors as well. Before the BID there was no CCTV and no other security measures. Vote yes to make sure these continue.

Mary Anne Black – AB’s MOT’s

OBJECTIVE THREE SAFETY & SECURITY

ESTIMATED AMOUNT THE BID WILL SPEND

Initial budget Year 1 - £16,495

Increased by Year 5 to £20,050

Total over the 5 year term of the BID - £91,145

• Work closely with the Police and others to maintain a safe and secure working environment for all vehicles, customers and people who work on the estates

• Maintain and keep under review existing safety and security measures

• Maintain the existing monitored CCTV coverage and work with the Police and Crime Commissioner to explore ways of extending the coverage

• Further develop the partnership with Cumbria Police to ensure maximum effective collaboration of the service provided and appreciation within the force of the needs and expectations of the estates

• Provide the link to crime prevention advice

• Organise regular security events to share advice and information.

OBJECTIVE FOUR CLEAN & GREEN

• To provide a smart, tidy, and safe environment and project an image which is consistent with the high-quality values and standards of the businesses which operate on the Penrith Business Parks

• Initiatives and support to help reduce energy use and achieve Zero Carbon

• Provision of help and support to install shared renewable energy systems

• Installation of publicly accessible EV charging points

• Continue to maintain verges and shrub areas

• Enhance the area by strategic landscaping; Wild flower planting, floral schemes and landscaping, to encourage and enhance biodiversity

• Continuation of seagull controls

• Installation of street furniture

• Continue to improve the physical appearance of the estate by employment of the BID wardens to keep the public areas neat and tidy.

ESTIMATED AMOUNT THE BID WILL SPEND

Initial budget Year 1£30,000

Increased by Year 5 to £36,000

Total over the 5 year term of the BID£165,500

Looks count. An attractive business park attracts quality businesses and creates a positive impression for our customers, employees and suppliers alike. This proposal for a further term of the BID will go a long way to maintain an enhanced and much improved trading environment here on Penrith Business Parks which is why I will be voting yes to support the next 5 years of BID successes

Stephen Armistead – TradeCopiers

www.penrithbusinessparks.co.uk

BUDGET

Total levy over the 5 year term of the BID -

£505,202.50

OBJECTIVE 1

WORKING

OBJECTIVE 2 INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT & ACCESS

OBJECTIVE 3 SAFETY & SECURITY £124,199 £47,700 £91,145 £165,500 16 | www.penrithbusinessparks.co.uk VOTE YES

OBJECTIVE 4 CLEAN & GREEN

The majority of the budget will be split over the four objectives as follows:

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING

The Penrith Industrial BID is committed to seeking additional funding and value in-kind to increase the benefits that can be delivered by the BID to businesses. Although an amount has not been included in the financial forecast, the BID could expect to raise additional funds towards specific items or activities identified within the programme of projects and activities delivered though the business plan. Other funding may become available e.g. through local authorities and other bodies who may have an interest in the development of the estates. Voluntary contributions from businesses outside the BID area may also be forthcoming as they see the benefit of working together.

Note: Assumes a 100% collection rate and an inflation rate of 5%

The estimated income will be in the main used to implement the projects and activities identified in the BID programme although it will also be used to contribute towards the necessary costs of managing and administrating the BID which will include:

• BID levy billing and collection

• Accountancy, insurance and other necessary fees to ensure that the BID operating company meets its legal obligations

• Costs of employing BID management services, initiate, commission, and manage property projects and activities funded through the BID and to report regularly to the BID company board of directors and levy payers.

The fee for collection of the BID levy is currently estimated by Eden District Council to be up to £2,442

Much of what you experience as you walk, cycle or drive into the area is there due to the BID, whether this be the CCTV, new signs, landscaping or litter free streets. It is easy to take these improvements for granted but we would certainly notice it if these results of the BID were not there or if the momentum that has been built was to be lost. Apart from the physical benefits, there is also the additional networking that has gone on and that has allowed greater connections between businesses in the BID. This is something that it is important to build upon in what is a challenging future. These are just some of the reasons why I will be voting “yes” to support the next 5 years of BID success.

Michael Bauer –Cumbria Employment Solicitors

HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY?

If the outcome of the ballot is in favour of a 2nd term for the BID, the income to deliver the 5 year programme of projects and activities will be derived from a compulsory levy.

This will be calculated at an unchanged rate of 2% (two percent) of Rateable Value (RV) to each qualifying ratepayer using the 2023 Non-Domestic Rates list.

The Penrith Industrial Estate BID area (as per the map outlined) includes *183 hereditaments (rateable premises). Their total aggregate rateable value is estimated to be *£5,052,025. The BID levy could expect to raise £101,040.50 gross per year or £505,202.50 over the 5-year term of the BID.

The cost of the BID will reduce in real terms during the five year term of the proposed BID. There will be no inflationary increase with any additional costs being met, where practicable, through efficiency savings.

For the overwhelming majority (62%) of businesses their financial contribution to the BID will be equivalent to less than £1 per day. In most cases much less.

The comparisons chart is used to illustrate one of the benefits of businesses working together in large numbers. Although the BID means that all businesses must pay, one great advantage in this is the sharing of the financial burden. Spreading the costs across 183 business premises means the contribution of each individual business is relatively modest

*Source note – figures provided by Eden District Council based on a Non-Domestic rating list dated December 2023.

Note: For full details on the levy and who pays refer to the full business plan accessible on the Penrith Business Parks website at www.penrithbusinessparks.co.uk/about-the-bid

INDICATIVE COSTS TO EACH BUSINESS

I have contacted the BID team on several occasions and they have always been approachable, helpful and engaging, and listen to concerns with a view to providing help and support. There is a great deal of knowledge within the team and a eagerness to keep improving the business parks which can only be a positive thing.

Lesley Mieras –

HOW WILL THE BID BE MANAGED?

The management structure of the BID will continue to be the Board of the Penrith Industrial Estates BID Ltd (PIEBL).

PIEBL is a legal entity and a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It is legally and operationally responsible for all BID activities and will act on behalf of businesses on the estates.

It has a board of directors drawn from and representative of, the diverse business and organisational interests within the BID area.

All businesses eligible to vote in the BID ballot can nominate themselves or other eligible persons to be considered for directorship and to be part of the BID Company’s Management Board.

The BID Company’s Articles of Association set out the size and composition of the Board to reflect the range of business types within the BID area.

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS OF PENRITH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BID

The BID company, Penrith Industrial Estate BID Ltd, is the body for the purposes of the BID statutory Provision and is a company limited by guarantee. The board is open to all businesses in the BID area. The current board members are as follows:

Andy Jones G&S Ltd

David Canham Greggs

Anthea Jones Planning Branch Ltd

Barry Turner Atkinson Builders

Chris Staniowski Manning Elliott Partnership

Dawn Lowdon Jeldwen

Richard Bulger

A W Jenkinsons

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The BID Company Board of Directors are accountable to the BID levy payers for the delivery of the BID business plan and the proposed BID arrangements. The BID Company Board of Directors meet regularly. Every levy-paying business is eligible to qualify to be a member of the BID and vote at Annual General Meetings on the activities of the BID.

The BID Board of Directors appoint a person to manage operations and work with businesses and the appropriate agencies to oversee the delivery of the programme of projects.

The boundary of the Penrith Industrial Estates BID area and the levy rate cannot be altered without an alteration ballot. However, the BID projects, cost and timescales may be altered from time to time, and as may be necessary, provided that such alterations are subject to a majority decision by the board of directors of the Penrith Industrial Estates BID operating company. Such alterations must be subject to such changes falling within the income of the BID, and must not compromise in any way the fulfilment of the BID’s aims and objectives, as stated in the BID Business Plan 2023-2028.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

The performance and effectiveness of the BID requires careful monitoring to ensure that BID levy payers continue to work towards the stated and developing objectives throughout the 5-year term. The BID Company Board will use a toolkit of key performance indicators to monitor and review progress, using the information to make adjustments and allocate resources between the budget headings where there is a sound business case to do so.

The performance of the BID will be publicly reported in the following ways:

• A detailed report distributed to every business at the start of each year providing a review of performance and details of how funds were invested in the previous year and how they will be invested in the next financial year. This will be published online.

• Accounts independently audited, presented at each AGM and published online

• Regular public meetings where the BID Team and Board Members will be present and available

• Regular surveys, including a mid-term review, to measure business satisfaction

• As far as possible to accommodate interest from those who wish to be involved in the operation of the BID

• Regular reporting online and in other communications, including e-newsletters.

THE BALLOT AND VOTING

Businesses within the BID area (as defined) will be asked to vote on whether or not they wish the Penrith Industrial BID to continue and implement the business plan over a further five year term 2023 to 2028.

The ballot will be conducted through a confidential postal vote.

Ballot papers will be sent to all persons entitled to vote i.e. those on the local rating list on the day of publication of the 42 days’ notice of the BID ballot, on 13th February

Each rateable property has one vote. A proxy vote will be available.

Completed ballot papers are to be returned no later than 5pm on 15th March. The result will be announced the following day

For the BID to be established there must be a majority vote in favour of the BID Proposal. This must satisfy two tests:

• A simple majority (greater than 50%) by number of those voting;

• And those voting in favour must also represent a majority (more than 50%) of the aggregate rateable value of those who voted.

HOW LONG WILL THE BID LAST?

Subject to a favourable vote, the 2nd term of the Penrith Industrial Estates Business Improvement District will commence on 1st October 2023 and will last for a period of five years. To extend this period requires a further ballot and this would be subject to the same regulations including the requirement to secure a majority vote in favour of any such proposal. There are currently no limits on the number of renewals.

HOW WILL FUNDS BE COLLECTED?

Collection and enforcement arrangements will be similar to the collection and enforcement of the Non-Domestic Rates. The BID levy will be collected on behalf of the Penrith Industrial Estates BID operating company by the Westmorland and Furness Council.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF BUSINESSES VOTE

‘NO’

A ‘no’ vote means that none of the projects outlined in this plan will be able to be delivered. The remaining levy, after all outstanding debts have been paid, will be refunded back to levy payers. Penrith BID would cease to exist from 1st October 2023. That means:

✖ No single dedicated body to represent the views and interests of levy payers with the new Westmorland & Furness Council, Penrith Town Council or Cumbria Constabulary.

✖ No dedicated BID team to support businesses with co-ordinating issues and opportunities in the estate.

✖ No direct business communications to keep all levy payers informed.

✖ No measures to control the seagull population

✖ No business training courses.

✖ No networking events

✖ No BID Wardens resulting in increased levels of litter (without the BID there would be over 2000 additional bags of litter in the BID area)

✖ Risks of increased levels of crime and security risks

✖ No additional maintenance of planting schemes, signage maintenance and landscape projects

✖ No scope to maintain and improve the current security measures including the CCTV

✖ No dedicated Penrith Business Parks website resulting in the loss of newsletters and e-communications as well as the loss of the business directory and the ability of businesses to promote job vacancies, special offers or events.

✖ No capacity to develop net zero plans

✖ No additional funding in respect of projects outlined in the business plan.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF BUSINESSES

VOTE ‘YES’

✔ Delivery of the business plan as outlined.

✔ Continued marketing and promotion of the business parks and the businesses within it.

✔ Continued representation with all stakeholders to make Penrith Business Parks a great place to work, shop and do business

✔ Provide a smart and tidy environment and project an image which is consistent with the high-quality values and standards of the businesses which operate on Penrith Business Parks

✔ Work closely with the Police and other stakeholders to maintain a safe, secure and more resilient working environment for freight transport, all vehicles, customers and all those who work on the estate.

✔ Provide a great infrastructure and a smart working environment for businesses to operate and people and services to access and move around, safely and effectively

✔ Access to business support packages, grants and training to enable businesses to grow and prosper

✔ Development of opportunities to support businesses achieve net zero and access low carbon, renewable based energy networks

Continuing

This Is Your BID VOTE YES for:

Continuing to represent the views and interests of levy payers particularly in regard to the new Westmorland & Furness Council

Access to business support packages, grants and training

Development of opportunities to support businesses achieve net zero and access low carbon, renewable based energy networks