Energy Local is a non-profit organization that aims to help residents reduce their electricity bills by up to 30% through a community energy approach. Initially established in 2016 by Dr. Mary Gillie in Ashton Hayes, Cheshire, the organization collaborates with renewable energy projects, such as wind turbines and solar farms, to allow individuals to purchase locally generated clean energy at discounted rates.
Residents join together to form an energy club that connects with a local renewable energy source, creating a partnership that helps them secure better electricity prices. A notable example is Bridport in Dorset, where a wind turbine installed in 2021 by local farmer Peter Bailey has facilitated the establishment of an energy club with nearly 60 participants. Members monitor real-time data regarding wind speed and energy generation to inform their electricity usage.
Richard Toft, a co-founder of the Bridport club, states that members typically experience savings that vary based on individual consumption habits, ranging from 10% to 25%. Due to high demand, many interested individuals are currently on a waitlist for membership, with plans to potentially expand the club by establishing a solar farm through cooperative investment.
Energy Local operates 36 energy clubs across Great Britain, leveraging smart meter technology to compare household electricity usage with local renewable energy production. This innovation has made it feasible to incentivize residents to alter their consumption patterns, encouraging them to use electricity when local renewable resources are at peak generation.
While energy clubs provide substantial benefits, they are not intended to replace the national grid. Infrastructure costs and the need for a robust system to maintain a stable power flow remain crucial at the national level. Despite these challenges, Energy Local’s model underscores the potential of localized energy solutions to create more sustainable and equitable energy systems.
To join an Energy Local club, residents need a smart meter and can find current clubs or express interest in new ones through the organization’s website.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/18/green-energy-clubs-savings-electricity-bills-energy-local-better-deal