Local Power Plan: How You Can Support Community Energy and Save on Your Bills
Published date: March 2026
Last month, there was big news for anyone interested in renewable energy: the UK government announced the Local Power Plan, a historic £1 billion investment in community-owned energy projects, and what sets this apart is that it isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your local area, and it could even save you money on your energy bills.
Why Community Energy Matters
The Local Power Plan aims to unlock support for over 1,000 local and community energy projects, offering new grants and loans, capacity building, and the development of Smart Local Energy Systems across the UK. You might be thinking, “I’ve never heard of community energy…what’s so good about it, and why is it getting such a financial boost?”
Well, there are literally hundreds of community energy organisations set up all over the country, delivering thousands of projects that are already creating huge benefits.
- Supporting local economies – Community energy organisations reinvest profits locally into projects like after-school clubs, food banks or energy advice sessions.
- Helping vulnerable households – Many projects contribute to schemes that reduce energy bills for people in need.
- Generating clean electricity – These projects already produce enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes annually…over 210,000!
If you’re starting to like the sound of community energy, then welcome to the club! Here at Your Co-op Energy and Our Co-op Family, we’ve been supporting community energy for almost seven years through our joint venture with Octopus Energy, called Younity.
Younity was created to give community energy a real boost across the UK. If you’re excited by the idea of community energy and fancy getting involved, there are two ways you could take part that might be perfect for you.
Power Your Home with the Community Power Tariff
Through our work with Younity, we’re proud to offer the only energy tariff on the market that is 100% powered by community-generated electricity. That means if you want your electricity to directly support local energy projects, the Community Power Tariff is your go-to. By signing up, your energy spend helps fund community-owned renewables, keeping money in local areas and supporting clean energy that benefits everyone.
The tariff works just like any other energy plan, but with one big difference: your energy comes from projects that are owned and managed by communities. That means your bills aren’t just covering energy, they’re helping neighbourhoods thrive.
Get Involved with Community Energy
Interested in more than just switching your tariff? You can also volunteer and support community energy projects in your area. Community Energy Connect is a free platform that helps match you with local organisations based on your skills and schedule. Whether you have a few hours a month or can commit more, your contribution helps make clean energy projects happen and strengthens your community.
Volunteering can range from helping with administration, fundraising, or project development to offering technical expertise. Every bit counts, and it’s a great way to connect with your community while contributing to the UK’s clean energy transition.
By choosing the Community Power Tariff or volunteering with Community Energy Connect, you’re not just using energy; you’re helping your community thrive and contributing to the UK’s transition to clean power.
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