Local Community-Owned Energy Suppliers in the UK
Discover how community energy can power your home with affordable, low-carbon and locally owned electricity and gas.
What is a community-owned energy supplier?
Community-owned energy suppliers are organisations where local people, community groups, or co-operatives own and control the energy assets and, in some cases, the supply of electricity and gas to homes. Instead of profits flowing to distant shareholders, more of the value created is kept locally and reinvested into community projects, energy efficiency and new renewable schemes.
Across the United Kingdom, hundreds of community energy groups operate solar farms, rooftop solar schemes, wind turbines and hydro projects. Some work in partnership with licensed suppliers to offer green tariffs to households; others sell power directly to the grid and use the income to support homes through grants, advice and local schemes.
For UK households looking for fair prices, transparency and climate-friendly energy, community-based suppliers and tariffs can be an attractive alternative to the traditional big providers.
Key benefits for your home
- Support locally owned renewable energy
- Keep more money in your community
- Back transparent, ethical pricing
- Reduce your household carbon footprint
- Access local advice and support schemes
Who is this guide for?
This page is for UK householders who want to:
- Switch to greener energy at home
- Understand community-owned energy tariffs
- See if there is a local community supplier near them
How community energy works for households
1. Generating local renewable power
Community energy projects typically generate electricity from renewable sources such as solar PV, onshore wind or small-scale hydro. Local residents may invest via community shares or bonds, or the project may be funded with grants and loans. The focus is on long-term community benefit rather than short-term profit.
Many projects are located on schools, community centres, church roofs, farmland or brownfield sites. This means the visual and environmental impact is considered in partnership with local people.
2. Supplying energy to your home
Most community groups do not hold a full supply licence themselves. Instead, they work with licensed suppliers to create community energy tariffs. When you choose one of these tariffs, your home is supplied by the licensed supplier, but your payments help fund and grow community-owned generation.
In other cases, community organisations focus on helping households switch to mainstream green tariffs while providing additional local benefits such as energy advice, retrofit support and hardship funds.
Benefits of choosing a community-focused home energy tariff
Local ownership & control
Community energy projects are usually owned by members or local organisations. This means decisions are taken closer to home, and any surplus is more likely to be reinvested in your area rather than distributed to distant shareholders.
Climate-friendly home energy
Community-owned schemes are strongly focused on renewable generation and energy efficiency. By choosing a community-linked tariff, you support more clean power on the grid and help the UK transition away from fossil fuels.
Fairness & transparency
Community organisations tend to prioritise affordable pricing, clear communication and extra support for vulnerable households. Many run advice sessions, home visits or grants to help residents reduce their bills and stay warm.
Examples of community energy involvement in UK home supply
The UK community energy sector is dynamic and evolving. Different groups use different models to connect local generation with household supply. Some examples of community involvement (models may change over time) include:
- Local generation partners – community groups develop renewable projects and partner with licensed suppliers who purchase the power and offer linked green tariffs to homes.
- Community share offers – residents can invest directly in local solar or wind projects and receive a modest return, while the energy itself is sold via licensed suppliers into home tariffs.
- Tariffs with community benefits – some green suppliers run special tariffs where part of the revenue funds community-led projects, energy advice sessions, retrofits, or hardship funds.
- Local supply trials – in selected regions, pilot projects explore peer-to-peer trading, micro-grids and local matching of home consumption with nearby generation.
Because the market is changing quickly, the options available in your area may vary. Always check the latest details with the supplier or community group before switching.
Is there a community tariff near you?
Availability of community-linked tariffs is not uniform across the UK. It often depends on local projects, grid capacity and partnerships with licensed suppliers.
To explore your options, you can:
- Check national community energy directories
- Search for "community energy" + your town or county
- Ask green suppliers if they support local projects nearby
How to switch your home to a community-focused or green local tariff
Step 1 – Check your current energy deal
Before you switch, review your existing tariff, unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees. This information is usually shown on your energy bill or in your online account. Knowing your usage and current costs makes it easier to compare new offers.
Step 2 – Explore community and green suppliers
Look for suppliers that actively support community energy projects, co-operatives or local schemes. Many list their initiatives, investment programmes and generation partners on their websites. Check whether they operate in your region and can supply your home.
Step 3 – Compare tariffs and benefits
When comparing tariffs, consider both the financial and non-financial aspects:
- Unit rates and standing charges
- Green/renewable credentials and certifications
- Direct support for local community projects
- Customer service reputation and support options
- Whether they offer smart meters and flexible tariffs
Step 4 – Start your switch
Once you have chosen a supplier and tariff, the switching process is straightforward. Your new supplier will usually manage the changeover, contact your current provider and confirm your start date. In most cases, there is no interruption to your supply.
If you use a prepayment meter or have a complex metering setup, some community-linked tariffs may have specific requirements. Check with the supplier to confirm they can support your home.
Step 5 – Make the most of your new tariff
After you switch, take advantage of any tools and support offered by your supplier and local community group. This could include:
- Energy-saving tips tailored to your property
- Smart meter data and usage insights
- Access to home retrofit or insulation schemes
- Invitations to community meetings and events
The more engaged you are, the greater the environmental and financial benefits you can unlock for your home and neighbourhood.
Find community-focused and green home energy options
Share a few details about your home and location and we'll help you understand what community-linked or green tariffs may be available, and how they compare with your current deal.
Frequently asked questions about community-owned energy for homes
Is community energy cheaper than normal tariffs?
Prices depend on wholesale markets, network costs and government policy, so community-linked tariffs are not always the very cheapest on the market. However, they aim to be fair, transparent and competitive while delivering additional social and environmental value.
Will I still be protected if something goes wrong?
Community energy schemes that supply homes work with, or act as, licensed suppliers regulated by Ofgem. Your consumer rights, billing rules and complaint routes are similar to those with any other domestic energy supplier in Great Britain. Always confirm the supplier is Ofgem-licensed before switching.
Do I need special equipment to use community or local tariffs?
In most cases you do not need any special hardware. Some innovative local flexibility or time-of-use tariffs may require a smart meter or additional devices, but standard community-linked tariffs work with conventional meters as well.
Can I join if I rent my home?
Yes, tenants can usually switch energy supplier if they pay the bill directly. If your landlord manages the energy contract, you'll need their agreement. Community groups also often run broader projects – such as advice or home visits – that renters can access regardless of who holds the contract.
Ready to explore local, community-owned energy?
Switching your home to a community-focused or green supplier is one of the most impactful steps you can take to cut your carbon footprint and support your local area.
Use the form above to share your details and we'll help you understand what's available, what it costs and how to make the switch with confidence.
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