Monthly Archives: December 2019

We have had a good response to our Supporters Survey but we need more to build up a better picture of the geographical coverage of our supporter base, the networks and contacts we have to draw upon and the various contributions supporters are able to make to the work of BWCE in 2020. So far the average time taken to complete the survey is 7 minutes so it would be great if you could go to BWCE Supporters Survey and answer a few questions.

One big way of supporting BWCE in 2020 is to encourage more people to become members. Our current share offer is ongoing but with the launch of Community Solar 2020 it would be great to get an influx of new members and investment by the time of our 6th share allocation on 31st January. If you know of anyone looking for a New Year’s Resolution why not suggest they join BWCE!

Our Flex Community project is well underway with half of our target of 30 volunteers recruited to the pilot group and the first four Stemy Energy hot water heating controllers installed. Here’s John Ingham with his new controller.

The current pilot project is for people who use immersion heaters (either as the main source or as a back-up) and who live in Bath & North East Somerset or adjoining areas (e.g. Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Trowbridge, Marshfield). Ultimately, the project will broaden out from hot water heating to integrate solar pv, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging and will provide a service to help people identify what technology to install to help reduce carbon emissions.

We are delighted to announce that we have recently been accepted onto the Next Generation Community Energy Programme to help us develop a sustainable business model and pilot the Flex Community project. This exciting innovation programme is funded by Power to Change and supported by a consortium of expert organisations led by the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol.

If you are interested in any aspect of the project please come to our 3rd Flex Community public meeting on Thursday 9th January. For more information go to our Flex Community webpages and if you think you might qualify to take part there is a short survey you can complete.

Thanks to all those Solar Roof Spotters who have suggested potential sites for solar panel installation for our Community Solar 2020 offer. Please keep them coming! All the information you need, including a downloadable leaflet, FAQs, a Roof Spotters Guide and a  short survey to express interest can be found at our Community Solar 2020 web pages.