Eco Communities UK CIC grew out of the Plastic Free Chester campaign in 2018. Since then we have helped towns across Cheshire West gain Plastic Free Community status, built the Full Circle network of community refill hubs, and run reusable party kits, repair and sewing projects and regular litter picks. We also campaign for clean rivers, and helped win bathing water status for the River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester.
All of this work rests on one thing: trusted relationships with local people, community centres, councillors and businesses. That is exactly what community energy needs to succeed. A local renewable project only works for its community if residents understand it, trust it and sign up.
We now support community energy groups with that engagement. We are currently working with Neston Community Energy to develop an Energy Local Club, so households can buy power generated nearby at a fairer price. Our role covers outreach, events, member recruitment and support, including for households who may find energy schemes harder to access.
We would love to connect with other community energy groups across the North West to share learning and work together.