This blog is written by Mica Janiv
At Ovesco, we’ve been putting community energy into practice for over a decade, right here in the Ouse Valley. From generating clean, local electricity to helping homes become more energy efficient, we’re showing how community energy isn’t just a vision for the future – it’s already happening. Read on to discover what community energy really means, and why it matters more than ever.
What Is Community Energy?
Community energy means people coming together to generate, manage, and benefit from local, clean power. From solar panels on schools and community buildings to energy advice for households, it’s about putting control back in local hands, and making sure the environmental and financial benefits stay in our region.
- And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing for over a decade.
Why We Need It—Right Now!
- A Green Boost to Net Zero
We’ve installed solar arrays on schools, leisure centres and businesses across Sussex, creating community-owned renewable energy that cuts carbon and feeds into the grid, slashing carbon emissions and helping the UK reach net zero before 2050
- Money Stays at Home
Our projects don’t just power buildings, they power opportunity. Profits are reinvested into local initiatives, instead of profits vanishing to far-off companies
- Empowered Communities
When we actively participate by buying shares, attending meetings, voting on project plans, we learn, connect, and shape our energy future. That sense of ownership boosts civic pride and makes the climate transition inspiring, not abstract
- Fair & Inclusive Energy
Community Energy organisations, like Ovesco and others, work hard to ensure no one gets left behind, providing fuel poverty services, energy advice, and retrofitting support. This helps build a genuinely just transition
- Stronger, More Resilient Neighbourhoods
With distributed solar, battery storage, and energy-efficiency measures, local areas become more resilient to energy price shocks and power cuts. We become less fragile, more connected
Why This Matters to the Ouse Valley
Energy used to be something that “just happened” to us – distant, complex, and often unfair. But not anymore.
By working with local people, councils, schools and businesses, Ovesco is proving that clean energy can be community-led, practical, and fair. We’re building resilience, creating local jobs, cutting carbon, and empowering our region to shape its own energy future.
Step Into Community Power
Community energy is about more than just clean power, it’s about connection, action, and local people shaping a better future together.
Follow us on social media to be the first to hear about FREE local events, workshops, climate talks, drop-in energy clinics, and so much more.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky or Twitter/X and help power a brighter, fairer future for our community.
Together, we’re showing that the power really is in our hands.