The Co-operative Party has teamed up with the Labour Climate and Environment Forum to launch a new report on “the role that community-owned energy in playing in building climate consensus at a local level”.
With a foreword by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the report aims to demonstrate “how communities take the lead on climate and clean energy when given the power, ownership and resources to do so”.
“At the Co-operative Party, we have long argued that the path to Net Zero runs through our communities,” writes party general secretary Joe Fortune.
“The switch to renewables presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to put power, quite literally, back in the hands of local people in the form of community-owned energy. Instead of our energy being owned by oligarchs abroad, we can have clean, green energy owned by communities right here in the UK.
“At a time when trust in institutions is low, and when climate action can feel imposed or remote, community ownership builds consent and connection. These projects aren’t just greener – they are fairer.
“They keep profits local, create good green jobs close to home, and strengthen resilience in the face of global shocks. Just as importantly, they give people the sense that they are part of the solution to climate change – not just spectators of it.
“We hope this report can inspire people across the country to think about energy differently. Ownership matters – and giving local people a real ownership stake in energy production means they see the very real benefits of a clean energy future.”
Miliband adds: “At the heart of this story is a renewed vision not just of publicly owned power, but power owned by communities themselves.
“This is what taking back control really looks like.”
You can download Power in our Communities here.
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Find out more about the Co-operative Party here.
Find out more about the Labour Climate and Environment Forum here.
