Wiltshire renewable electricity firm Good Energy has become the world’s first energy company to accept a local currency after allowing customers to pay their energy bills using Bristol Pounds.
The Chippenham-based firm, which supplies 100% renewable electricity to homes and businesses across the UK, said the move underlined its commitment to sustainability.
The Bristol Pound is the UK’s first city-wide currency and the largest alternative to sterling. The scheme, which has its own banknotes, is run as a not-for-profit partnership with Bristol Credit Union, and is one of the largest local currency schemes in the world. More than 800 businesses in the city now accept the currency.
Good Energy CEO and founder Juliet Davenport said: “We believe the future of energy is homegrown, sustainable generation which benefits communities and the planet. We’re incredibly excited to be leading the way by inviting our customers in Bristol to support green energy and their local economy at the same time.
“This is a world first, there’s simply nowhere else you can pay for your gas and electricity with a local currency.”
The announcement was made during Bristol’s Big Green Week, the UK’s annual festival of environmental ideas which was sponsored by Good Energy.
Bristol Pound CEO Ciaran Mundy added: “Good Energy joining the Bristol Pound is a major step forward for the city. It means that residents can now pay for energy services along with other essentials like food and transport with money that supports a fairer local economy, whilst fighting climate change by increasing renewable energy.
“We think this sets the precedent for other utility companies to follow suit – Good Energy are showing us it’s possible for an organisation supplying electricity generated from clean, local sources to use a currency which helps the rest of the economy go green.”
Good Energy staff will have the option of receiving part of their pay in Bristol Pounds and the company plans to use the currency to pay suppliers in Bristol, completing the loop and ensuring money is kept in the local area.
Good Energy purchases renewable electricity from a wide range of generators in the South West including Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese maker and Worthy Farm, home of Glastonbury Festival.
Meanwhile, Good Energy has beaten a strong field to win the Leadership Award at the 2015 British Renewable Energy Association (REA) awards.
The company secured the award for its continued commitment towards securing the future of the UK’s energy needs from renewable sources.
The annual awards were set up to celebrate the achievements of those organisations and individuals who are playing a crucial role within the renewable industry.
REA chief executive Nina Skorupska said: “The judges agreed Good Energy has consistently showed leadership, challenging the status quo not only for their customers, but also in helping to change the landscape in the market.”
Pictured: Ciaran Mundy of Bristol Pound with Good Energy's Juliet Davenport
