Member news
Rooftop solar can help Milton Keynes organisations take control of energy costs as our climate changes
Milton Keynes Community Energy
By Milton Keynes Community Energy
Community-owned energy offers organisations a practical way to reduce electricity costs, gain greater long-term price certainty and support a more resilient local energy system – all without the upfront investment or maintenance responsibilities normally associated with solar.
As hotter summers become more frequent and electricity demand grows, particularly from cooling, ventilation and other energy-intensive systems, generating clean power locally is becoming increasingly important. Rooftop solar gives organisations the opportunity to produce affordable electricity where it is needed, helping them manage costs while reducing carbon emissions.
Through Milton Keynes Community Energy (MKCE), businesses, charities, schools, faith buildings, sports clubs and public sector organisations can install community-owned solar with no upfront cost. MKCE funds, installs, owns and maintains the panels, while the host organisation purchases the electricity generated on its own roof at a lower, fixed price than grid electricity.
The result is a simple, low-risk way for organisations to reduce energy bills, protect themselves from future price volatility and demonstrate leadership on sustainability – without the financial and operational burden of owning renewable energy infrastructure.
The launch of Community Solar for MK Organisations has been supported by Milton Keynes City Council’s Green Business Fund. The initiative is designed to help organisations reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions and support Milton Keynes’ transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
The launch coincides with Community Energy Fortnight (1–14 July), the national campaign themed “Up The Energy,” which celebrates how community-owned energy is helping tackle high bills, strengthen energy security and accelerate progress towards net zero.
Community Solar for MK Organisations is a practical example of how locally owned generation can keep both the power and the financial benefits within Milton Keynes.
Unlike traditional solar installations that require significant upfront capital investment, the MKCE model removes many of the barriers that prevent organisations from taking action. By managing the funding, installation and ongoing maintenance, MKCE makes renewable energy accessible to organisations that may otherwise struggle to invest.
For organisations facing continued uncertainty in the energy market, community-owned solar provides a way to take greater control of future costs while supporting wider social and environmental benefits.
MKCE is a community-owned, not-for-profit Community Benefit Society. Any surplus generated is reinvested locally rather than distributed outside the area. Local people can become members and help shape the organisation, while income from projects supports initiatives that reduce energy costs, tackle fuel poverty and build stronger communities across Milton Keynes.
This includes projects such as Home Energy MK, which supports households to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
Simon Kelley, Director at Milton Keynes Community Energy, said:
Every organisation wants lower energy bills, but not every organisation wants the cost, complexity and long-term responsibility of owning solar panels. That’s exactly where community energy comes in.
We remove the upfront investment, the maintenance burden and much of the risk, while giving organisations access to lower-cost, locally generated electricity. At the same time, every project helps keep money circulating within Milton Keynes, supporting local people and strengthening our communities. It’s a model that delivers economic, environmental and social value all at once.”
MKCE has been developing community-owned renewable energy across Milton Keynes since 2015, delivering successful solar projects on schools, libraries, council buildings and community organisations across the city. To date, the organisation has generated more than 3 million kWh of clean electricity and prevented over 975 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Jane Grindey, Director at Milton Keynes Community Energy, said:
Every suitable roof in Milton Keynes has the potential to do far more than generate electricity.
Community energy can help schools direct more of their budgets into pupils, enable charities to invest more in the people and services they support, and give businesses greater confidence over their future energy costs.
Most importantly, every project helps fund initiatives like Home Energy MK, creating more energy-efficient buildings, lower bills and stronger communities across our city.
That’s what makes community energy different, and why we’re inviting more organisations to become part of it.
As the energy system continues to change, community-owned solar offers Milton Keynes organisations a way to reduce costs, strengthen resilience and ensure the benefits of clean energy stay local.
MKCE is inviting businesses, charities, community organisations, faith buildings, sports clubs and public sector organisations to register their interest.
To find out whether your organisation could benefit, or to arrange an initial conversation with the MKCE team, visit www.mkcommunityenergy.co.uk or email [email protected].