New campaign harnesses "people power" to fuel growth of green energy in the South West

Would you like to be involved in taking action on the climate crisis? This is an opportunity to invest your money in a cleaner, greener and fairer future.

Network members Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC) has launched a new share offer campaign to help tackle the climate emergency. The not-for-profit aims to raise £1million in just 12 weeks, to develop more green, clean energy projects across the region, at speed.

In their new share offer, they’re looking to raise £1 million by 31 March 2022. The investment raised through this share offer will go toward funding some exciting new projects including a solar PV array on the newly developed Bristol Beacon, helping achieve its aim of being the UK’s first carbon neutral music venue by 2030, and toward a smart microgrid on a new Cohousing Project in Bridport, which will be the UK’s largest, comprising of 53 sustainable, affordable eco-homes.

They’re hosting a webinar on the 16th February at 6pm, where they’re inviting people to come along and find out more.

It's not only BEC’s members that gain from a return on investment. Over the past 10 years, the cooperative has channelled over £300,000 of community benefit payments into local sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens, education and biodiversity programmes. Also, community spaces such as Easton Community Centre and Knowle West Media Centre have benefitted from cheaper energy rates thanks to the solar installations by BEC, meaning they have more funds to spend on their vital services.

Anyone can invest in BEC’s withdrawable shares, from as little as £100. Investors are projected to receive a 3.5% annual return. The share offer is open until 31st March 2022. For more information please see: https://bristolenergy.coop/share-offer-2022/