Energy saving Co-op gives more homeowners power to reduce fuel bills

The Energy Saving Co-operative has powered its way to twin milestones in its bid to help homeowners tackle rising fuel bills.

Less than three months after its launch with support from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, its community share offer - which is entering its final days and closes on 5 July 2013 - has now generated more than £300,000 to enable the multi-stakeholder co-operative to expand the reach of its services.
 
In addition, The Energy Saving Co-operative has secured its status as an official Government Green Deal provider, the first co-operative to do so.
 
Following a successful pilot-scheme in the Midlands, it will now expand to demystify the delivery of energy saving for more homes and community buildings through its one-stop-shop for advice, installation and fair finance.
 
The Energy Saving Co-operative is among the latest to join a growing UK co-operative sector which has seen the number of member-owned enterprises rise by almost 25 per cent since 2009 to over 6,100.
 
Ewan Jones, Chief Executive of The Energy Saving Co-operative, said: "Energy saving retrofitting of buildings is the fastest way for the UK to reduce its energy demand and addiction to fossil fuels.
 
"The Energy Saving Co-operative is working to provide the greatest energy savings at the best price - returning profits to local community groups and creating work for local tradespeople.
 
"There is still work to do but we are delighted with the success of our community share offer so far and, with the news that we have become the first co-operative to gain Green Deal status, a key development that will further widen the range and choice of our funding options."
 
Stuart Major, from R-Eco (The Renewable Energy Co-operative) - an installer-member of The Energy Saving Co-operative, said: "We welcome the approval of the Energy Saving Co-operative as a Green Deal provider - work can begin upgrading homes in a way that is beneficial to all."
 
While Phil Beardmore of the Birmingham Social Enterprise Environment Network, added: "We believe that the momentum for energy saving retrofitting will be community-led and it is great news that there is now a co-operative Green Deal provider."
 
Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative's Head of Community and Co-operative Investment, concluded: "Community-owned energy initiatives can deliver local economic and social benefits while helping the UK to meet its energy needs and climate change goals - a catalyst for a step-change in people's thinking and relationship with energy."
 
For more information about The Energy Saving Co-operative and its community share offer - which remains open and welcomes new investors until 5 July 2013 - visit energysaving.coop
 
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub is a free service which has supported the creation and growth of more than 1,000 member-owned enterprises since 2008. It is funded by The Co-operative Group, the UK's largest member-owned organisation with interests in Food; Financial Services; Funeralcare; Pharmacy and Legal Services, which has pledged a further £1m in 2013 to developing the Enterprise Hub service.
 
Latest figures show that UK co-operative sector turnover has risen to almost £37 billion with the number of co-operative memberships in the country growing to 15.4 million. Community groups interested in co-operative solutions to the running of businesses and services can contact The Co-operative Enterprise Hub by visiting co-operative.coop/enterprisehub