What is community energy?
Community energy is about people coming together to generate, save, and share energy in ways that benefit their local area. It can include:
- Renewable energy generation – like solar panels on community buildings, small-scale wind turbines, or hydro power from the river.
- Energy efficiency projects – helping homes and businesses reduce energy use through insulation, LED lighting, and smart heating controls.
- Education and engagement – raising awareness about climate change and energy use through workshops, events, and school programmes.
At Stour Power, we focus on projects that are community-led, environmentally sustainable, and financially beneficial to the people who live in or near the Stour Valley. We are currently focused on energy generation projects, but are open to energy efficiency and education.
What is a Community Benefit Society (CBS)?
A Community Benefit Society is a legal structure designed for organisations that exist to serve the wider community. Key features include:
- Democratic ownership – anyone can become a member by buying shares, and each member has one vote.
- Community-first approach – profits are reinvested into local projects, not paid out to shareholders.
- Transparency and accountability – members help shape the direction of the society and elect its directors.
Stour Power is a CBS, which means we’re committed to putting community benefit above private profit. Our company number is RS009500.
What kinds of energy projects does Stour Power support?
We work with communities to develop projects such as:
- Solar PV installations on schools, village halls, and other community buildings.
- Battery storage to help manage energy use and reduce reliance on the grid.
- Hydro power feasibility along suitable stretches of the River Stour.
- Community heat networks and energy efficiency retrofits.
- Local energy education and carbon reduction initiatives.
Each project is designed to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and generate income that can be reinvested locally.
What are the benefits of joining Stour Power?
By becoming a member, you:
- Support local climate action and help build a fairer energy system.
- Have a say in how projects are developed and run.
- Can invest in community share offers and earn a fair return.
- Help fund local improvements, from energy advice services to grants for community buildings.
- Join a network of people who care about sustainability and community resilience.
Who insures the panels?
We are responsible for insuring the panels for public liability. Partnering businesses and schools should add the panels to their contents/buildings policies for damage/loss. This is normally done at a nominal cost.
What is a Power Purchase Agreement?
A PPA is a long term renewable energy contract between generator (SPCE) and consumer (usually building owner / user). PPAs can vary in structure but they usually ensure that the participating site is protected from volatile energy price rises in the longer term.
Who owns the solar panels?
SPCE will own the panels for an agreed period of time as set out in the lease agreement, after which they will be given to the business / school.
Who is responsible for the panels and their operation and maintenance?
We will monitor the performance of the panels throughout the contract period. If there is a generation problem, we are responsible for getting the panels fixed and will work with you to find a suitable time to send a contractor in to fix it. We are responsible for costs associated with maintenance, cleaning etc.
How are the panels paid for?
We pay for the panels and raises the money by issuing community shares, via a share raising. Community shares are invested in by members of the public and a rate of return is back on their investment through the revenue generated by the sale of electricity to the site.
What happens after the agreement period ends?
The panels will be given to the business / school. They will continue generating, providing the site with free electricity for many more years. However if the business / school wishes to remove the panels after the agreement period, the community energy organisation can remove them at their own cost.
How much will the site save on its electricity bills?
This varies greatly depending on the price the site currently pays for its electricity, the potential size of the community owned solar array and how much the community energy organisation will charge in its Power Purchase Agreement with you. The price will be determined through the modelling and assessment that the community energy organisation carries out during the feasibility stage.
What happens to the revenue generated from energy projects?
Revenue from our energy projects is used to:
- Cover operating costs and maintain the installations.
- Pay interest to members who have invested through community share offers.
- Reinvest in the community, through grants, education programmes, and new energy initiatives.
We publish annual reports so members and the public can see exactly how funds are used.
How does a community share offer work?
A community share offer is a way for local people to invest in Stour Power and help fund our energy projects. Here’s how it works:
- Shares are offered to the public, usually with a minimum and maximum investment amount.
- Investors become members, with voting rights and a say in how the organisation is run.
- Returns are paid annually, typically as interest on the investment.
- Capital is at risk, but the aim is to provide a fair return while supporting local sustainability.
Share offers are promoted locally and through our website, and we provide full details on risks, returns, and how the money will be used.
Who runs Stour Power? What do the directors do?
Stour Power is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by members. They:
- Set the strategic direction of the organisation.
- Oversee finances and legal compliance.
- Develop partnerships and secure funding.
- Ensure projects deliver real community benefit.
Directors are volunteers with experience in energy, sustainability, community development, local government and finance.
What do members do?
Members are the backbone of Stour Power. They:
- Vote on key decisions and elect directors.
- Help shape the future of local energy.
- Can volunteer, promote projects, or join working groups.
- Receive updates and invitations to events and AGMs.
Membership is open to anyone who supports our aims, whether you live in Sudbury or elsewhere in the Stour Valley.
How can my community get involved?
If you're part of a community near the River Stour and want to explore energy projects, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a parish council, school, local business, or resident group, we can help with:
- Feasibility studies
- Funding advice
- Technical support
- Community engagement
Together, we can build a cleaner, fairer energy future.