What Is Community Energy and How Does It Work?

People across the UK are starting to believe that community energy is the way forward, and it makes total sense.

It’s about local people owning, running, and benefiting from renewable energy projects. It’s about giving power back to communities and supporting those around you.

Sounds good, right? Let’s dive in and see what it’s all about!

Members of Bristol Energy Co-operative at a community energy march.

Bristol Energy Co-operative at a march for community renewables

Community energy is all about people coming together to create change.

Everyday people raise funds to launch renewable projects and use the profits from the clean energy sold (that’s where we come in!) to support initiatives like after-school clubs, local food banks or run energy-based advice sessions.

The goal is to generate more clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen energy security, all while delivering financial benefits to the local area.

If you're thinking about getting involved and supporting both your community and the planet, sign up to our free volunteering platform, Community Energy Connect, and find a local organisation that needs your support.
 

Get involved in community energy today

 

Let's Get Technical with It!

  1. Individuals, just like you or me, decide to club together and invest in a renewable energy asset - like a wind turbine.    

  2. This wind turbine will then spin and generate electricity, which will get sold or used on-site.

  3. Any extra profits are placed in a community benefit fund, so everyone who invested gets a share.

  4. The community energy group will then get together and decide how that money is best spent. Let's say its on heating people's homes.

  5. The community benefit fund would then be used to hire people to retrofit homes with energy-saving measures, like adding insulation and taking thermal camera images.

 

 

The more people who get involved, the more projects can get off the ground, the more clean, green energy we can generate together, and the more communities we can support.

School children posing proudly with solar panels on their school.

North Lincolnshire Community Energy partnership with St Hugh's school

Why It Matters

As a country, we’re full steam ahead on transitioning to renewables, aiming for Net Zero by 2050. But we need to build an energy future that supports everyone.

In England, it is estimated that more than 2.3 million households are currently living in fuel poverty, and community energy organisations are taking action to address this. In 2024, the community energy sector helped save people over £1.8 million on their energy bills, while also delivering countless energy advice and home retrofit sessions.

Take a closer look at groups making a difference 

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