Last
night I had the privilege of meeting with Kayla Ente, founder and CEO of a
new start-up renewable energy enterprise called BHESCo (Brighton and
Hove Energy Saving Co-operative). The idea is to create a community
owned business providing renewable energy
to the community that owns it, keeping prices low, bills low, and
emissions low.
Describing the project on their website, she explains: “We’re used
to thinking that doing good and making money are often opposed,
especially when it comes to energy, but that doesn’t apply here. This
is a win-win-win – Sussex gets more renewable energy
while properties are made more efficient, cutting our carbon footprint
and energy bills. Businesses and organisations we work with get cheaper
energy, and the people who’s money makes it happen receive an interest
rate that’s 10 times better than what they’re
getting on their bank savings.”
Rarely has a first impression made such a, err… impression, but
Kayla’s enthusiasm, knowledge, honesty, and goodwill are truly inspiring. When talking with her about the venture, I decided immediately
that I’d do all I can to help make it a success,
hopefully one for other cities to follow. In fact, Brighton itself would
be following a similar example already established in Germany, where
cities like Hamburg have bought back ownership of their electrical grid.
As a starting point, I was asked to deliver a big batch of share
offer leaflets to Brighton’s high society, i.e. those in the big houses
round upper Dyke Road with a spare few quid to invest.
It was strange to say the least to be around some of the most
extravagant properties in the city, having just last week been visiting
some of the poorest (as part of Caroline’s campaign), and I know where I
felt more comfortable… The wealth disparity in
a city so small is astonishing. But that’s a whole other conversation.
For anyone interested in BHESCo, there’s a presentation and Q&A
on 16 May at Friends Meeting House, and 4 June at Brighthelm Centre at
6pm.
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