An introduction to Community Energy, and the power of investing in a grass roots membership community business, enabling positive action on climate change at a local level.

Set up in 2010, BWCE operates as a nonprofit distributing and member led community business, founded on co-operative principles, with strong protections built into its governance to ensure it operates for community benefit. To date BWCE runs 31 solar rooftop schemes across schools and community buildings, 5 solar farms and a small hydro project. Much of the funding for these developments was raised by the investment of the 1000 strong members proud to be generating enough clean electricity annually to power the equivalent of 5,000 homes and by 2022 BWCE has been involved in delivering 40% of the renewable energy capacity in Bath & North East Somerset.

Now with a turnover of over £3 million, BWCE is one of the largest of the community energy businesses driving change within their local community. Since 2015 surpluses from our projects have enabled us to donate nearly £400,000 to an independent community fund that distribute grants to support local community action on carbon reduction and fuel poverty but still there is so much more that is needed by BWCE and others if we are going to meet the net zero requirements needed to ensure our children, and future generations, inherit a liveable climate.

We need to raise a further £800,000 this year to continue the roll out of further roof top solar schemes on local schools and community buildings waiting in the pipeline. Could you support us by investing in shares? From a minimum investment of £100 upwards to £100,000. Members currently receive a 5% return on their investment and the knowledge that they have made an ethical investment with a return for themselves, the community and their future planet.