Benefits of community ownership
Energy4All supports communities to realise their renewable energy ambitions enabling them to retain control and realise the local benefits of community ownership – environmental, social and economic. In addition, Energy4All has agreements with selected developers to offer communities a share in major commercial projects.
Whether projects are wholly-owned by the community or the ownership shared with a developer or landowner, individual membership of an Energy4All co-operative usually starts at £250, so almost everyone can join a green energy co-operative and the maximum legal investment is £100,000. The co-op then builds or purchases a share of the generation project and members receive a fair return on their investment from the sale of green electricity with some of the profits also granted to a community fund.
Preference for joining the scheme is given to people living close to the projects to maximise the economic benefits to the local community. Co-operatives combine business efficiency with honesty and fairness and all members can have a say in how the co-op is run one member one vote.
Energy4All are developing several new projects to offer co-ownership.
If you would like to receive further information on the progress of these projects please register your interest.