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Maximising income from community energy projects: Key takeaways from our CEE workshop
11 December 2025
Blog written by Connie Duxbury, Younity
Last week we ran a practical session on how to get the most value from their renewable generation. With the market shifting, new policies landing, and fresh routes to market emerging, 2026 is shaping up to be the most exciting year for community energy yet! Younity partners with around one third of the UK’s community energy sector through PPAs, so the workshop focused on what we are seeing on the ground and the opportunities opening up for groups of all sizes.
Understanding the changing PPA landscape
We explored the drivers behind current electricity prices and how both fixed and index-linked PPAs are performing. Many groups are weighing up how much exposure to market movements they want, so we looked at how to choose a PPA structure that supports financial stability while still capturing value when prices rise.
Industry changes that matter in 2025
Two major updates stood out in the discussion:
License Exempt Supply (LES)
The P442 modification means LES volumes can now avoid certain EMR levies. For eligible groups, this creates the potential for an additional revenue stream when generation is matched with customers. We talked through who can use LES, what the constraints are, and why careful monitoring of a group’s portfolio limit is essential.
Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)
All suppliers are now moving to half-hourly settlement for any generation recorded by smart or AMR meters. This affects new solar installations in particular, as both import and export meters must be set up with MHHS-ready agents. We covered what this means in practice, the role of the new MOA and Data Services, and how groups can prepare ahead of connection.
Breakout sessions for small and large sites
To make sure everyone got tailored guidance, we split into two streams:
Smaller sites: PPAs vs Community SEG, FiT considerations, and how MOP/MOA arrangements impact income. We also looked at breakeven points using real-world examples, showing where a PPA pays off and where SEG might be the simpler choice.
Larger sites: A deep dive into corporate PPAs, including the difference between physical and virtual CPPAs, risk management tools, and the various wholesale routes available (indexed PPAs, BMU trading, and merchant approaches). For groups exploring additionality or long-term price stability, these options are becoming increasingly relevant.
We also highlighted the additional levers Younity offers: grant funding, Kickstart loans, and our volunteering platform that helps groups find specialist support. All of these are designed to ensure more projects get built and more benefits stay within communities.
Looking ahead
The energy system is evolving quickly, but with the right knowledge and the right partnerships, community energy projects can unlock more value than ever. Whether you are managing a small rooftop array or considering a corporate PPA for a multi-megawatt site, the tools available to you are expanding. If you joined us at the workshop, thank you for being part of such an engaged and thoughtful conversation. If you missed it and want to discuss any of these topics, Younity is always happy to help.