Inspiration

Households versus the energy giants

While energy giants like BP and Shell post soaring profits, a record number of households are struggling with rising bills and falling into fuel poverty. According to National Energy Action charity, 6.1 million household in the UK are in fuel poverty.

A grassroots response to the energy crisis

A quiet revolution has been taking hold across the country with people coming together to generate renewable power locally. Groups of citizens are pooling resources to install solar panels and other renewables, making themselves less vulnerable to global price spikes and helping the environment at the same time.

According to the latest Community Energy: State of the Sector report, by Community Energy England, Scotland and Wales, there are around 398MW worth of citizen-led renewable energy projects across the UK – enough to power around 280,000 homes – with another 209MW planned.

A local success story: South East London Community Energy (Selce)

The Greenwich-based co-operative Selce is a shining example of what’s possible. Over the past decade, Selce has raised more than £500,000 from local investors to provide free solar arrays for local community buildings – mostly primary schools.

The co-op raises the money for its solar projects through community share offers – a form of social investment. Supporters can invest anything from £250 into each project. In return, they receive an annual interest payment of around three to four per cent.

Once the team secures the necessary funding, the solar arrays are installed at no cost. Selce then assumes the role of solar energy provider, offering electricity at rates significantly lower than those of commercial suppliers. The revenue generated from these solar partnerships enables Selce to make its annual payments to investors. Partner London primary schools in the solar programme have benefitted financially too; for example, Horniman Primary School saves around £9,000 a year in electricity costs, whilst Mulgrave Primary School saves around £3,000.

Selce’s impact goes beyond solar panels. Their team of advisors help around 2,000 vulnerable households each year to avoid fuel debt. They run a range of free, grant-funded advice workshops and programmes to help retrofit local homes with heat pumps, better insulation, and solar panels. Any surplus from the solar partnerships is reinvested into these energy advice programmes.

Looking ahead: Growing support and ambition

Selce is preparing its biggest project yet, aiming to raise £325,000 for two large-scale solar installations (8000 solar panels in total). The team are also hopeful to double the number of investor members too.

Meanwhile, the government has promised new support for community energy, including low-interest loans and grants. The hope is that with more backing, even more communities can follow their lead and build a cleaner, fairer future.