Who we are
We are a startup cooperative based in Macclesfield. Our mission is to establish a renewable community-owned energy supply, help protect those at risk of fuel poverty in our area, and support the wider community with the creation of a community fund.
Community Energy Projects can do more than help power homes and businesses: surplus energy generated by our projects can be sold to the grid to raise vital funds to support other projects in the community.
Right now we are a group of residents who are creating a co-operative. As members join us and vote in board positions we will update this page with a who's-who of Macclesfield Community Energy.
WHAT WE CAN DO
What can we do
for the community?
There are many ways an energy co-operative can serve its community. How we operate will be determined by our members. To help inspire you and other prospective members, here are some examples of incredible work that community energy groups have done. Take a look at what's possible, join us at an event and have your say:
Case One: Newbald Parish Council Establishes annual £24.6k community fund from fund generated by onshore Wind Farm
Newbald Parish Council Website
The Sober Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund is an annual £24,600 index linked fund provided to Newbald Parish by the developers of Sober Hill Wind Farm for 25 years. Payments will continue until 2038.
The fund is exclusive to the Newbald Parish and it seeks to benefit good causes in the village. It is managed by Newbald Parish Council.
Case Two: Bath and West Community Energy distributes £290,000 to Community Projects
Bath and West Community Energy Website
Since its inception in 2010 BWCE has built 5 ground-mounted solar arrays (solar farms) and installed solar pv on the roofs of 16 schools and five other buildings. They also own one modern water wheel. This year alone, BWCE renewable energy projects have generated 9,919MWh from 1st April 2022 to the end of August 2022. This is equivalent to the electrical demand from 5,863 homes during that period and a 2094-tonne carbon reduction. All while raising funds for their community!
Case Three: Brighton Energy helps local businesses save up to £7000 a year on energy bills
Brighton Energy's solar electricity is much cheaper than electricity from the grid. So by generating on-site power BEC saves building owners hundreds of thousands of pounds on their electricity bills each year. Click the website link to review case studies for two businesses they have helped to support.
Each year BEC's solar panels generate more than 2GWh of clean energy, displacing coal, gas and nuclear from the energy mix. This is the equivalent of nearly 500 tons of CO2 each year, the equivalent of planting 24,000 trees.
Want to know what else is possible?
Check out this map of all the Community Energy Projects in the UK. There are so many different ways we can harness renewable power and strengthen our community.