How do you make change, street by street?

Facing down the enormity of the energy system, we support a street-by-street, community-by-community approach as we believe change is more long-term when it happens locally - which then has a ripple effect more widely. 

We focus on empowering households to install renewables, share knowledge and keep money in their community. For both neighbours with similar houses and local tradespeople looking to deliver top-quality service, it’s easier to start on this journey together in a concentrated area.

We’ll dive into this further in this piece, by:

🤝 explaining how collective installs lower costs and other barriers

🏘️ detailing why local action is as impactful as global change

📲 introducing how Street Power Champions spearhead change locally

Why focus on a street?

Whilst 89% of the British public like, or don’t mind seeing solar panels on a roof (Climate Outreach), there is still confusion about accessibility (where to start) and affordability (the cost-benefit ratio). Even assessing what you need to know can feel overwhelming. But as Laozi put it, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” 

By scaling ideas of the energy network or systematic shifts to solar down to a single street, where responsibility and reward is shared between households and individuals, enormous change is suddenly a more approachable piece of the puzzle.

Sharing experiences between neighbours means people who know each other, with similar homes, can swap notes. That there’s no fear of ‘going first’ or sticking out - because everyone is doing it together. That the annual savings of many households adds up to a lump of local wealth that can now be spent in the community, instead of sent to fossil fuel companies.

Plus - there are longer-term benefits from coming together behind a shared aim.

How stronger streets make resilient communities

More than money saved, taking action as a street also keeps local money in the local community by paying local tradespeople. POP is focusing our growth strategy on a street-by-street, community-by-community approach so that we can handpick trusty tradespeople in select communities, and train them up to deliver a top-quality install. This means they’re close by for any maintenance, and more of your investment stays local instead of heading to large energy or fossil fuel companies. 

Coordinating installations is costed into our model, so we are able to offer an affordable yet high-quality service. It means better prices, and faster delivery. We once went from installation to power generation in less than 48 hours. Trust us, that’s speedy.

Let’s not forget the benefit of feeling a part of something. Humans are social creatures, and stronger when we work together. We see that communities that collaborate on one project tend to continue. What starts as cutting energy bills could lead to establishing local energy systems, or making the community cleaner, greener and safer. Think solar projects for municipal buildings, greening urban spaces, and helping neighbours that need a little support.

How POP is supporting people power

Community change only sticks when it comes from within the community. That’s why POP builds relationships with existing community groups that are working on energy, sustainability, or more resilient neighbourhoods. We want to put people first (have you read the story behind our name?)

As well as partnering with people already working at the grassroots, we recruit Street Power Champions: individuals who are ready to educate and engage their neighbours, supporting them on their renewable energy journey. We recently detailed what a Street Power Champion does in this article. 

We aren’t looking to just sell systems and sod off. We are supporting a movement. While continuing to support our existing communities, we are happy to engage aspiring communities and share insights to help them on their journey - you can check out our upcoming events. Longer term, we are building tools that make the benefits of flexible energy markets more accessible for households.

In summary

For too long, energy has been done to people: run by companies we didn’t choose, at prices we didn’t agree too, powered by a fuel that harms the environment. It’s time to shift power back into the hands of the people: to generate clean local energy, to share the benefits of renewables fairly, and to all profit from a stronger community.

Share the savings of cleaner and cheaper energy that’s in your control with your street. We are open to Street Power Champions across the country - send us an application or reach out to hello@pop.energy to discuss bringing People Owned Power to your street.

What is a street-by-street approach?

We try to onboard a handful of households to get proposals, surveys and installations done all around the same time. This helps keep costs low, get installations set up faster, and adds an extra layer of support. Our Street Power Champions are pivotal in this.

What does a Street Power Champion do?

A Street Power Champion connects with their neighbours in-person and online (with content and conversation, organising events and informal catch-ups) to build up a group of households to take the first step to renewables together. You can read more about it on our Street Champions page, or in our recent article.

Do I need experience to get my street started on a renewables journey?

None at all! We are looking for enthusiasm more than experience. All you need to bring is an openness to learn, and an interest in renewable energy and your community. Even if you don’t know your neighbours yet - we welcome you getting involved. Both POP and our community of Street Power Champions are on hand to support you every step of the way.

You aren’t in my community yet - can you still help me?

Yes, we are open to hearing from new communities. Often, we do not choose the communities we start working with - we are invited in by a few dedicated locals. Even if we haven’t yet reached your neighbourhood, we would love to hear from you about bringing people owned power to your street. Apply on our Street Champions page or reach out to hello@pop.energy.

How does POP support me?

We offer our Street Power Champions a toolkit of printed and digital resources (postcards, posters, presentations, and content for social media or messages), and event formats (presentations, open houses) that you can use to support your organising efforts. We also run regular calls to share information, and to create space for Street Power Champions to swap tips. We are also supportive of your approach, if you have new ideas you want to try out.