How It Would Work

The Bretherton Energy Partnership (BEP) is a collaboration between the residents of Bretherton and GA Pet Food, both committed to transitioning to renewable sources of energy. Residents will receive five per cent of the electrical energy produced by the Asland Walks Energy Park at no cost. GA Pet Food will construct and operate the site, using the remaining energy to power its factory. The residents’ five per cent share will be distributed through the Bretherton Energy Co-operative (BEC) and made available to residents at a reduced cost.

The electrical energy generated will be shared at a rate of five per cent to residents and ninety-five per cent to GA Pet Food.

If the five per cent were sold to the National Grid at export market rates, the estimated annual value would be £74,000. However, if this electricity were used directly by residents, its value would increase to approximately £370,000 per year, rising to £424,000 per year by 2030 as taxes and levies on electricity bills continue to rise. This would result in significant savings on energy bills for households and businesses within Bretherton.

To enable the Bretherton Energy Partnership to operate, Bretherton residents would establish a community enterprise (a not-for-profit organisation or community interest company) to receive and manage the income. This community energy company would set the energy rates, manage the Energy Club’s affairs, and assist residents by:

  • Providing advice, support, and grants, as well as zero- or low-interest loans, to help local households make their homes more energy efficient.
  • Subsidising energy bills for low-income households.
  • Providing funding for community low-carbon infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging points.

Investment in the 4.2 MW wind turbine, solar panels, and battery systems would be provided by GA Pet Food in a phased approach, where economic and practical conditions allow. Any surplus electricity from the residents’ five per cent allocation not used locally would be sold to help fund community development projects.

Local Supply

The Bretherton Energy Partnership is currently evaluating local electricity supply specialists to identify the most effective way for residents to receive energy directly from the Asland Walks Energy Park.

The local supply model would work as follows:

  1. Construction and Operation: GA Pet Food would build and operate the proposed Asland Walks Energy Park. Construction would take place in phases, subject to planning permission and available finance. Ongoing discussions with Electricity North West Limited (ENWL) will determine and specify what electrical connection work is feasible.
  2. Community Enterprise: Bretherton residents would establish a not-for-profit community enterprise to manage the Bretherton Energy Club.
  3. Membership and Smart Meters: To benefit from the discounted electricity, residents would need to join the Energy Club and install a smart meter to monitor energy use. They must also be supplied by the same substation to which the battery system is connected.
  4. Energy Supply: Energy Club members would receive the first five per cent of renewable electricity generated from the Asland Walks Energy Park. Electricity would be supplied via a private wire connecting the Energy Park to the local network. The detailed electrical configuration will be confirmed following ENWL approval.
  5. Discounted Rates: Club members would receive electricity at a significantly reduced cost (for example, 30 per cent lower than market rates). Revenue from electricity sales would cover the Energy Club’s running costs, with any surplus sold to GA Pet Food or the grid to fund community projects.
  6. Smart Usage: Members would be able to view real-time data via an online portal showing when renewable power is available. This would enable them to adjust their energy use to match periods of solar and wind generation, benefiting from the lower local tariff — for example, running dryers, charging electric vehicles, or operating heat pumps when renewable supply is highest.
  7. Local Energy Provision: Once the proposed wind turbine and solar field are installed, five per cent of their predicted output could meet over 90 per cent of Bretherton’s current electricity needs.
  8. Partner Supplier: A partner energy supplier (such as GEUK or Octopus Energy) will be required to facilitate the Bretherton Energy Club. The supplier will match club members’ consumption with the Asland Walks Energy Park’s wind and solar generation on a half-hourly basis. When matched, customers are billed at the reduced club rate. When renewable generation or battery storage is unavailable, the supplier will provide top-up electricity at standard market rates. Each household will receive a single consolidated bill for its total energy use.
  9. Project Development: Work is ongoing to assess the commercial and technical viability of the Bretherton Energy Club. Significant progress has been made, but further development is required.

Governance

Bretherton Energy Co-op (BEC) has been created to manage the future revenue share arrangement and distribute surplus income to local community projects.

The purpose of the co-op will be to supply Bretherton residents, businesses and community organisations with low cost, low carbon power and to generate surplus income to support community projects in the parish, with a focus on supporting the community and individual households to transition to net zero.

Next Steps

Work is continuing to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed scheme. Full details of the final reports and regular updates are available under the “Resources” tab on this website.

A community survey conducted by Bretherton Parish Council during winter 2022–2023 showed broad support for the project. The survey results are published on the Resources page, and the FAQs have been updated to address key questions and concerns raised by local residents.

The Bretherton Energy Partnership is now a member of Regen, an independent non-profit organisation and recognised network that supports community energy initiatives. Regen also provides government-approved guidance and consultation services.