Energy co-op aims at £1m share offer

An energy co-op aims at raising £1 million from the community to make the city greener.

An energy co-op aims at raising £1 million from the community to fund ambitious projects that will make Brighton and Hove cleaner and greener - while earning returns for all who invest.

Brighton and Hove Energy Saving Co-operative (BHESCO) opening a share offer on Friday (May 1) that will work along the same lines as the 'community shares' schemes used to fund The Bevy community pub and the purchase of the Exeter Street Hall.

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The £1 million will be used to fund up to 10 renewable energy projects. They include the installation of a biomass boiler at the Montessori Place School in Hove. The school will also be retrofitted with energy-saving technology. In addition, the cash will fund solar panels for The Werks, a social enterprise, also in Hove.

BHESCO said: 'When people put money into the co-operative, they become members and buy shares, giving each investor a 5% return on their investment. For a minimum investment of £250, investors will have the opportunity to support an innovative business model that forms a blueprint for energy groups across the country.'

Kayla Ente, the energy co-op's founder and director, said: 'This is a really exciting opportunity for Brighton and Hove. Not only will city residents be able to make money while doing good, they'll be part of a community that acts to lower energy prices and lower their carbon footprint.

'In order to have the biggest impact, we need mass uptake from individuals and businesses across the city. The great thing is anyone can get involved.

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'We're used to thinking that doing good and making money are often opposed, especially when it comes to energy, but that doesn't apply here. This is a win-win-win '“ the city gets more renewable energy and properties are made more efficient, cutting our carbon footprint and energy bills.'

'Businesses and organisations we work with get cheaper energy and the people whose money makes it happen receive an interest rate that's 10 times better than what they're getting on their bank savings.'

Revenue and Customs has provided advanced assurance for EIS tax relief for investors bringing the annual return to over 7% for qualifying individuals. This means that people who invest £500 will be able to claim £150 of that straight back in their next tax return.

BHESCO added: 'If the interest rate continues into subsequent tax years, investors will have doubled their money within 11 years. Moreover, they will become part of a movement that helped to make the city cleaner and greener, leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community.'

For more information, visit: www.bhesco.co.uk.

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