People-powered energy is on the rise in the UK. The latest Cooperatives UK report shows the number of community energy coops have risen from 83 with 10,828 members to 224 with 16,880 in the last 4 years.

It’s exciting for us to be part of this larger community of energy coops making a difference, and our numbers are growing here in the South West too. Today we catch-up with one of our recent bond offer investors, Nikki Jones, a freelance researcher / writer from Bristol to find out why she chose to invest in community energy and our latest fund-raise.
Why did you want to invest in BEC?
Divestment is not enough. We need positive investment in clean technology. I’m particularly happy that this is a Bristol based project.
What were your reasons for choosing the share or bond?
I have invested in the bond offer. I have many long term investments in renewables and this was an unusual opportunity to make a difference while keeping options a little more open.
What factors did you consider before investing?
The interest rate and the two year term seemed good. I was also attracted by the fact that this is a cooperative venture and Bristol based.
Would you suggest to others that they find out more about making an ethical investment?
Absolutely. Our pensions and savings won’t be much good to us if our society is fundamentally threatened by climate change. We all need to divest from fossil fuels and positively invest in clean tech. There will be no real change that doesn’t involve a change in economics – as consumers and as investors we need to clearly signal what we want for the world in 10 – 20 years.
Inspired to find out more?
Currently we have a share offer open for investment via crowdfunding platform Ethex.
If you have an investor story to share, get in touch.
Note, that investing in this bond puts your capital is at risk. This means that you may lose some or all of the money that you invest. Read the full offer document, understand the risks and agree with the terms before investing. To find out more about our bond offer go to www.mongoosecrowd.co.uk.