Our story
Back in 2011 a number of volunteers across Bristol wanted to take practical action to help shape the future of the city's energy.
Working with specialists in the cooperative sector, Bristol Energy Cooperative was born. Our mission was to fund and develop renewable projects, to accelerate the energy transition. Revenues from the schemes would be recycled back into the community, and the organisation would be democratically run, with one-member-one-vote irrespective of the amount people had invested. Investors would receive a financial, environmental and social return on their investment.
The structure we adopted to meet these aims was a Community Benefit Society.
Over the past 13 years, with the support of over 2000 members, we have invested £13.4 million bringing 22 solar and battery projects online, with a total peak capacity of 12 megawatts – enough renewable energy to power 3500 typical homes. We keep these assets in community ownership, so the community benefits from the investments over the long term.
Our goal is not only to increase local clean energy generation, but also to build resilience into the foundations of our communities. We do this by reducing carbon emissions, directly supporting community organisations and networks, and empowering people to shape energy generation according to their needs.
Our members have received an annual interest payment on their investment for each year that our schemes have been in operation; and we've facilitated over £300,000 of community benefit payments through our activities.
When we first started up, energy co-ops were fairly rare, but over the past decade community energy groups have sprung up across the UK as local communities take positive action in face of climate change. In 2019 a total of 300 community energy groups were developing low carbon projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Each community energy group is unique, but many share the same vibe of people coming together in their spare time to help develop green, clean, community-owned energy.
For many groups it's a passion, a deep commitment. And it's rarely easy. Government policy towards our sector has been less than supportive for some time, but through ingenuity, persistence and huge volunteer effort, the sector has grown enormously, and some of the larger groups, including ours, now have some paid staff.
Our advice
Over the years we have found that hosting events is a great way to build connections and support. These days, webinars are also helping us to engage new investors and build trust. It's a brilliant model which feels like a win-win for all.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by total MWh of solar and battery projects installed and operational; tonnes of CO2 avoided annually through our community-owned clean energy; £ raised for Community Benefit funds and other support given to local organisations; and number of Cooperative members actively investing and voting.
