
If you’re from Croydon, then you know energy prices have been anything but friendly lately. With the rising cost of living, it’s no surprise that one in five UK households experience fuel poverty. It is projected that from 1 January to 31 March 2025, the UK energy price cap will increase by 1.2%, bringing the average annual bill for households using gas and electricity via Direct Debit to approximately £1,738. The precise amount paid is dependent on usage, location, and meter type. While this presents a 10% decrease in prices than last year, energy prices will continue to remain high due to global market conditions. Hence nationally, fuel poverty remains a critical challenge. The National Energy Action (NEA) estimated that as of October 2024, approximately 6 million UK households were in fuel poverty, more than double the official estimate for England alone. In Croydon, energy prices have been a significant concern for residents, with many households experiencing substantial increases in their energy bills. In early 2024, East Croydon residents saw their heating costs jump by 775%, with rates skyrocketing from 4.8p to 37.5p per kWh. The sudden price hikes have left many struggling with a lack of protection or alternative options and unexpected bills.
That’s where Croydon Community Energy (CCE) aims to step in, to demonstrate that renewable energy projects are about more than just lowering emissions—they’re also about saving communities and building community wealth. This means creating jobs, financial stability, and shared prosperity through solar energy investments. Beyond cutting down emissions, local initiatives such as a solar share, are a way to build community wealth. CCE is at the forefront of this movement, showing how solar energy investments can empower residents and keep wealth circulating locally.Â
Before discussing how CCE has been pushing the renewable agenda within Croydon, it is helpful to understand what Community wealth-building means and entails.Â
What is Community Wealth Building?

Community wealth building (CWB) is about ensuring that local economies work for everyone by keeping resources within communities and fostering stability through job creation, affordable services, and sustainable development. Unlike traditional infrastructure models where wealth often leaves the community, this approach keeps resources within local systems. When communities invest in and manage local energy projects, they ensure profits are reinvested locally—whether through job creation, lower energy bills, or community services.
In the context of renewable energy, community-led projects demonstrate a good example of how investments in green infrastructure can contribute to this approach. Community members contribute to the renewable project via a buy-in model, enabling them to generate returns from electricity sales. The success of such schemes highlights how collaborative action can reduce energy costs while promoting environmental sustainability. According to Community Energy England, similar initiatives have already saved approximately £2.9 million on energy bills across the UK.
Let's explore how these projects build wealth locally, and CCE’s level of participation in CWB.
Solar Panels: A Foundation for Wealth Building at CCEÂ
At the heart of CCE’s renewable energy strategy is the solar panel community buy-in initiative, where local people can invest in solar projects. The profits aren’t scooped up by distant corporations but are reinvested into further community work. It’s more than just clean energy—this model gives people ownership, empowering them to share in both the energy savings and the financial benefits.

In 2023 alone, Croydon saw energy prices spike, with many households struggling to manage heating bills. CCE’s energy advice clinics have played a pivotal role here, helping residents navigate these challenges and understand the long-term benefits of solar energy. These clinics provided practical energy-saving tips and resources, with many households seeing significant savings of up to £400 per year through government energy-saving schemes which CCE has advised on. For families at risk of energy poverty, every pound saved makes a significant difference.
The Future of Sustainable Development is Local Participation – Our Community Share Offer
CCE is leveraging the potential solar energy has to provide for the Croydon community, and is launching a Community Share Offer to empower residents through local renewable energy projects. This initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability while also making energy more affordable and strengthening long-term economic resilience by lowering costs. Keeping energy generation local will enhance energy security, and profits will be shared through dividends or reduced bills, ensuring direct benefits for the community. This project can meaningfully improve residents' financial well-being. Further, this project could generate complimentary opportunities within the community such as creating local jobs in energy management and offering educational programmes on renewable technologies. Also, a sense of ownership among participants helps mobilise communities, creating an environment of accountability, trust, long-term commitment and sustainable wealth.

CCE aims to install solar systems across public buildings, schools, and community centres, cutting energy costs while generating revenue from excess energy sold back to the grid. A typical solar installation can save a community centre between £1,500 to £3,000 annually on energy bills. With more than 10 community sites planned by 2030, the cumulative savings and revenue could reach upwards of £100,000 annually, reinvested into local services​.
On 8th February 2025, CCE will be launching its first-ever Community Share Offer, marking a significant step in CCE’s mission to deliver energy efficiency to 100 households by the end of 2025, and 500 by the end of 2027 through renewable energy initiatives. This effort aligns seamlessly with the government's net-zero objectives and showcases how local engagement can drive sustainable development.
The goal is to install solar panels on three sites in Croydon, using funds raised through community investment. The sites will benefit from lower electricity costs, while ownership of the panels will remain with CCE and its investors with an expected 5% return. Further information can be found on the website.Â
Whether you're passionate about climate action or looking for ways to save on your energy bills, getting involved with CCE's initiatives is a step towards a better community for everyone. It’s your community, your energy, and your wealth—why not take part?
For more information on how to join CCE’s projects or participate in our share offer, please visit the Croydon Community Energy website.

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