The Co-operative have launched yet another fantastic campaign – this time calling for a Clean Energy Revolution!

Did you know that 7 out of 10 people would support a community energy scheme near their home?

The Co-operative want to see a dramatic increase in the number of communities democratically controlling and benefiting from their own renewable energy projects, as is common elsewhere in Europe.

These projects will help reduce our reliance on increasingly expensive and dirty fossil fuels. What’s more, they keep the profits generated within the community and increase local support for vital renewable energy schemes (research shows that 2 out of 3 people who oppose wind turbines change their minds if they belong to the community!).

They are therefore asking people to please contact your MP to ask that they:

• support amendments to the Energy Bill
• sign Early Day Motion 684 (Community Energy)
• raise the issue with Ministers

They would like the Government to:

• recognise the significant potential and benefits of community energy
• introduce a comprehensive framework of support

For more information and to ask your MP to support to amend the Energy Bill visit The Co-operative’s Clean Energy Revolution website: www.co-operative.coop/join-the-revolution/our-plan/clean-energy-revolution/

For inspiration check out the Bindon Mill Screw Turbine Installation – Bindon Mill Turbine Project Dorset – a local project which turned a disused water mill into a hydropowered renewable electricity generator –  perhaps you could help regenerate an old watermill near you, to power your community?!

Let us know if you’d like to start your own renewable energy project here in Dorset or to find local energy groups visit Sustainable Dorset’s website: www.sustainabledorset.org.uk/organisations/community-group