How It Works
Governance — Community Benefit Society
The project would be owned by a Community Benefit Society (BenCom) — a democratic, community-controlled legal structure used by hundreds of successful community energy projects across the UK.
🗳️ One member, one vote
Regardless of how much you invest. Democratic control stays with the community.
🔒 Statutory asset lock
Assets can never be taken out of community ownership. No private buyout possible.
👥 Open membership
Any individual can join — per person, not per property. Couples can both be members.
💚 Community benefit
Surplus income goes to a Community Benefit Fund for village projects and fuel poverty support.
Three Ways to Be Involved
1. Investor
Buy community shares (from as little as £50) and become a member. You earn a target 4–5% annual return, get one vote at meetings, and help shape the project's future. Capital is gradually repaid over ~20 years.
2. Participant (Beneficiary)
You don't invest, but you still benefit: access to the Community Benefit Fund, potential cheaper electricity, reduced village carbon emissions. You don't need to do anything.
3. Opt Out
Prefer not to engage? That's completely fine. Nothing changes for you. The project works regardless. You can change your mind at any time.
Supply Models
How the generated electricity reaches you depends on the supply model chosen:
| Model | How It Works | Smart Meter Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Export to Grid | Electricity sold to the grid via PPA or Smart Export Guarantee. Revenue distributed as dividends and Community Benefit Fund. | No |
| 2. Sleeved PPA | A licensed supplier buys our output and sells to local households at an agreed discount. | Helpful, not required |
| 3. Local Energy Market | Direct trading between generator and households. Biggest savings but requires smart meters. | Yes (SMETS2) |
Likely start: Model 1 or 2 — no smart meter dependency, revenue flows from day one. As more homes get smart meters, we could transition to Model 3 for greater savings.