2025 Award Finalist: Collaboration in Community Energy: BHESCo

Preston Park Community Energy is a groundbreaking collaboration between Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo), local installer OneZero, and residents of Preston Park in Brighton. Together, they launched a community-led solar and battery scheme that lets households access clean, affordable energy with no upfront costs. By blending financial innovation, technical expertise, and grassroots enthusiasm, the team created a replicable model that cuts carbon, lowers bills, and builds local resilience. The judges praised the project’s unique 25-year Power Purchase Agreement model, its strong community involvement, and its potential for replication – highlighting it as an outstanding example of how collaboration can unlock new possibilities in community energy.