Community energy will generate local heroes

A walking tour of Westmill wind farm is among the attractions (AFP/Getty Images)

At present, 99 per cent of the country's electricity is supplied by just six companies. The Community Energy Coalition – which includes the likes of the Co-operative Group, National Trust, National Federation of Women's Institutes and Church of England – wants that to change.

It has a vision that includes by 2020 "communities across the UK owning, generating and saving energy together for the benefit of all".

The revolution starts today – and runs until 8 September – with the first-ever Community Energy Fortnight featuring events across the UK to inform people about the benefits of this form of energy ownership.

For instance, today there is a walking tour of Westmill wind farm and solar park in Oxfordshire. It is the first onshore wind farm to be built in the South-East, and is totally community owned.

Next weekend's activities include tours of Stockport and Torrs community hydro projects while in two weeks there will be a tour of Whitby Esk community hydro scheme in North Yorkshire.

You'll find details of all activities – and more information about community energy – at www.ukcec.org.

In October, the campaign will gather further momentum with the first-ever Community Energy Conference in London, organised by Co-operative Energy. For details, email community.energy@cooperativeenergy.coop