Good Energy hits £400,000 in donations to community funds

Milestone highlights benefit of renewable energy to local communities

Good Energy, the 100% renewable power company, has reached a milestone of £400,000 in direct contributions to its community funds.

Six community funds were established alongside renewable projects developed by Good Energy in the early 2010s. They were designed to allow local communities to directly benefit from hosting renewable sites. These renewable projects are located across England, in Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire and Yorkshire, including Delabole – the UK’s first commercial wind farm.

The funds have supported multiple local initiatives in only a few short years. These include buying new iPads and laptop equipment for a primary school in Dorset and funding horse riding facilities for disabled children in Cornwall.

Hooton Pagnell is a picturesque English village in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. The nearby Hampole wind farm has helped the community reconnect with nature. A grant from the fund led to a new village green, complete with wildflower meadow and nature-friendly initiatives undertaken by children from the village school. The green is intended to play an educational role, helping open children’s eyes to the wonders of nature; the space is also intended for local people to relax and enjoy.

Juliet Davenport, CEO and Founder at Good Energy, said: “This significant milestone underscores the value of wind and solar farms to local communities across Britain. Not only do these projects generate clean power, but they provide a boost to the rural economy as well. In the space of only a few years, our community funds have supported a whole range of initiatives, from creating new green spaces to investing in digital equipment for schoolchildren. These funds are responding to local needs and leaving a positive legacy. We look forward to seeing more progress over the coming years.”

Peter Edwards chairs the committee which runs the community fund attached to Delabole, the UK’s first commercial wind farm. The community fund has been active investing in roof-top solar panels and energy efficiency measures at the local primary school and sports pavilion. The single largest contribution was to stop the porch from collapsing.

Peter commented: “Renewable projects have the power to create a cleaner future and transform people’s lives. The Delabole community fund plays a pivotal role in improving the local area and its financial support has meant many important projects have been given the green light. We’re very grateful for its ongoing support.”

Broad Town in Wiltshire has benefited from hosting the local Rook Wood solar farm. The community fund has supported a range of projects, including the refurbishment of the village hall. A spokesperson for Broad Town Parish Council said: “The fund has enabled us to support both regular community activities and improvements to the footpaths in the village. New groups and initiatives have been encouraged and this has had a sustained impact on positive community engagement and community spirit. This was made evident by the recent swift creation of a local community COVID-19 response group to support everyone in the village, particularly the vulnerable; the work of the response group has been supported by the fund.”