Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) is a not for profit community benefit society delivering community owned renewable energy in B&NES and parts of Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire nearest Bath. They are working to put people at the heart of the energy transition, placing ownership and control of energy in local hands.
Clean Local Energy. They build renewable energy generating projects e.g. rooftop solar, ground mounted solar arrays. Almost 13MW installed so far, enough to power 4,000 average homes with a reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to the carbon footprint of nearly 1,000 residents.
Community Owned. They raise funds though local people investing and becoming voting members. Around £11 million raised from nearly 1000 members and bondholders. A current community share offer enables local people to become members through a minimum investment of £100 with a potential annual rate of return of 4%.
For Community Benefit. They re-invest surplus income in community projects through the independent BWCE Fund. Nearly £300.000 donated so far. The BWCE Fund has supported local food production, energy efficiency in buildings, re-use and recycling, fuel poverty programmes, low carbon transport, schools projects, water conservation, energy audits and advice.