Who we are
Bedfordshire Energy Together works with local communities to deliver renewable energy projects at a larger scale.
Community energy is simple: local people investing in local projects, generating power, reducing costs, and keeping more of the value where it’s created.
Because right now, too much of that value leaves.
For too long, energy has been something done to communities, not by them. That needs to change.
As the energy system shifts away from fossil fuels, we think communities should have a direct stake in what replaces it.
Our founding groups
Find out more about what’s happening in your local community by clicking on the organisation on the map.
Our founding groups have already been delivering projects across Bedfordshire. By working together, we can go further – combining our expertise, time and funding to take on larger, more ambitious opportunities.
We focus on delivering projects that stand up – technically, commercially and locally.
That means working with local authorities, businesses and communities to deliver renewable energy schemes that are commercially sound and built to last.
And we’re just getting started.
We’re building something that can grow – open to new partners, new ideas, and bigger opportunities across the region.
If you would like to support us or become part of the movement…
Our Directors
Matt Pearson
After getting hit with an energy crisis while running my business, I wanted to take a hands-on approach to sustainable energy for everyone. I wanted to keep sipping cortados and IPAs at our local coffee shops and pubs, keep our businesses thriving and give our communities ownership of their energy.
Now, as a director at Bedfordshire Energy Together, I’m helping drive that change. When I’m not strategising for a greener future, you might catch me paddling in a not-so-clean (for now!) river, climbing trees with my kids, bouldering, or cooking up a feast for friends and family. Let’s make the future bright and a bit more fun together!
Leonie Austin
I believe in change from the ground up and my concern about the impacts of climate change led me to getting involved with community energy. Local solutions to save and generate renewable energy.
I have had a career working as a communications and marketing director in the public and not for profit sector and have seen how top down solutions don’t work in the long run. Together we can take meaningful action to reduce our use of fossil fuels in our local area.
Carole Birtwhistle
I have previously worked as an energy officer in various councils and universities, including Leeds Met from 2009 to 2011 and Cambridge Colleges from 2012 to 2019. Alongside my partner, who has been an energy performance gap researcher for over 20 years, we have embarked on a journey toward achieving net-zero emissions in our home. I have been volunteering as an energy champion with RICE, and I’m eager to help people to reduce their environmental impact. Additionally I have family members on the autism spectrum and have actively campaigned for both disability and environmental causes.
My core belief is that the lack of the regulation in the building trade has caused many of the problems home owners now face and I advocate for greater accountability for poor workmanship in residential and other buildings. This might see massive improvements in carbon emissions!