Who are BHESCo?

Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo) are a social enterprise working to scale up local energy generation and support communities to take more control over their energy supply.  

How will the community energy scheme work? 

BHESCo would own and operate the system on behalf of the community to deliver optimum community benefit. It would ensure that energy generated would be cheaper than through mainstream energy suppliers. Residents are billed monthly for the solar electricity they use.

What would the cost of electricity be to residents?

BHESCo will work out the economics of a scheme. When the scheme in Harrington Villas and the streets nearby goes ahead, there will be no upfront cash outlay required from residents. 

What if my roof is not suitable for solar panels?

All residents in the area can join the scheme, irrespective of whether or not their home can accommodate solar panels. This is dependent on them switching their energy supplier to Rebel Energy (https://rebelenergy.com/). Participating households must have a smart meter installed.

What would happen to the project if BHESCo folded?

Should the unforeseeable happen and BHESCo goes into liquidation,  our assets would be transferred to another energy co-operative. BHESCo is an active member of Community Energy England, which has more than 310 community energy organisations as members. These assets are likely to have significant value due to the long-term contract periods.

What other community energy projects are BHESCo involved in?

BHESCo are one of the leading community energy groups in the UK, having developed 63 community energy projects which include homes, schools, industrial units, churches, and community and leisure centres. BHESCo are currently working with residents in Ovingdean on a decarbonisation plan, which includes renewable energy generation. Details of other community energy projects can be found here: https://bhesco.co.uk/community-energy-projects-brighton-hove-sussex. MORE

Who would install and look after the solar panels?

That would be BHESCo’s role. Residents would have solar panels on their roofs without the responsibility of maintaining and monitoring them. BHESCo will engage a trusted local solar panel company to install the systems.  

What are the benefits to residents?

Being part of the project would lower your electricity bill and massively reduce carbon emissions.  Participating households enjoy long-term (25 year) price security and protection from volatile international energy markets.  

What will the process be?

BHESCO will design a scheme to cover a community (roughly 50 houses) and fund the solar panels installed on roofs. The social enterprise would own the infrastructure.

How can residents who already have solar
panels benefit?

Homes that have solar panels should already be receiving income from electricity exported to the grid.  Depending on their contracts, they may be interested in joining BHESCo’s solar community.  This can be discussed with BHESCo if they are interested.