New dual membership offer gives community energy organisations extra support to grow

Co-operatives UK and Community Energy England have launched a new dual membership offer to help community energy organisations grow, collaborate and make the most of opportunities for local power.

The offer, launched at the start of Community Energy Fortnight and during Co-op Fortnight, gives eligible Community Energy England members 50% off Co-operatives UK membership*. It opens up access to practical governance support, advice resources, training opportunities, policy insight and wider co-operative networks.

Community Energy Fortnight 2026, themed Up the Energy, celebrates the growing momentum behind community-led energy and aims to make community energy more visible, practical and achievable for communities across the UK. The new dual membership offer reflects that ambition by helping organisations access the support, expertise and connections they need to turn opportunity into action.

The launch comes at a significant moment for the sector. With the proposed Local Power Plan and growing political focus on decentralised energy, community energy organisations are being recognised as key partners in delivering a fair, locally owned energy transition.

But unlocking that potential will require more than policy ambition alone. To scale successfully, community energy organisations need strong governance, resilient business models, expert support and opportunities to learn from one another.

By bringing together the complementary strengths of Co-operatives UK and Community Energy England, the partnership will help community energy organisations build stronger foundations and play a bigger role in delivering local power, community wealth and climate action across the UK.

Belinda Roach, Membership Manager at Co-operatives UK, said: “Community energy organisations are already showing how local people can take more control over the services and infrastructure that matter to them. As the sector grows, it is vital that those organisations have strong governance, clear structures and the confidence to make good decisions for their members and communities.

“That is where Co-operatives UK can add real value. Through this partnership with Community Energy England, we can help community energy organisations access practical co-operative advice, resources and networks, so they are well placed to grow in a way that stays democratic, resilient and rooted in community ownership.”

Matt Vickers, CEO of Community Energy England, said: “Community Energy Fortnight is all about upping the energy behind local action, and there has never been a more important time to do that. With growing political support for community-led energy, organisations across the country have a real opportunity to scale their impact.

“But ambition needs support. This partnership is about giving community energy organisations access to the governance, expertise, networks and confidence they need to take advantage of the opportunities ahead and build a stronger community energy sector for the future.”

The offer launches on 1 July 2026. Eligible Community Energy England members wishing to take advantage of the 50% discount should contact [email protected] to join Co-operatives UK at the discounted rate.

* This offer is available for standard Co-operatives UK membership only and is not open to partner members (organisations with an annual turnover over £500,000). To discuss joining Co-operatives UK contact [email protected].