Abstract

Our electricity market is dominated by the ‘big six’ energy companies and some of them are investing in renewable energy but not as fast as we’d like. That’s a shame but we can do something about it.

As communities we can own our own renewable energy schemes. The investors get a reasonable return, and surplus income is used for other community projects. As of May 2012, in Germany 65% of renewables were owned by individuals or communities. Examples in the UK include Bath and West Community Energy, Grand Union Community Energy and Brixton Energy.

Should we do this in Cambridge? Should I let a community energy company use my church/school etc? Is it a good investment? For more information go to www.transitioncambridge.org/energyathome