Energy Local

How do the clubs work?

- 

They are legally a cooperative where a group of residents and a local renewable energy project team up to get a better deal for both parties.

To take part, you need a smart meter installed in your home.

The club agrees a price people will pay for the electricity they use when renewable energy is being generated locally. So they might want to run their washing machine when they know the local hydro scheme is going full pelt, for example. Sometimes it will be possible to match all the electricity someone uses to locally generated power, but at other times they will use more than is available. For the extra electricity, they will be charged at different rates depending on the time of day.

The club selects a partner energy supplier that sells the extra power that members need when there is not enough local electricity generated. So those taking part will have to change to the supplier selected.

Energy Local says the savings will vary from household to household, but adds: “We estimate you could save about 10% to 30% on your electricity

Continued from page 43

such as a wind turbine, hydro project or solar farm.

Gillie and her team have worked with energy companies to negotiate a special tariff, thereby creating a “hyper-local” market that acknowledges renewable power generated in that area.

The price club members pay for bills.” However, club members have to pay standing charges.