About Us
Newsletter
volunteer
Our Story
Dane Valley Community Energy Ltd (DVCE) is a not for profit community benefit society formed and driven forward by a group of professional, knowledgeable and environmentally conscious volunteers. All team members reside in Congleton and the surrounding district and share a commitment to developing and operating the Congleton Hydro scheme for the benefit of the environment and the local community.
DVCE has established a working relationship with, and project backing from various partners, the support from local businesses and people in the community has made this project a reality!
How We Do, What We Do
meet the team
Meet the group of hardy volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make Congleton Hydro a reality!
Why Hydro ELECTRIC
Understand the history behind hydro electric power here in the UK, it goes back further than you may think!
Volunteer
As the project progresses there will be volunteer roles and opportunities for people to get involved!
community benefit
DVCE is a non for profit community benefit society, understand how we are regulated and the rules!
Climate Change Emergency, We Must Fight On!
Climate change is impacting human lives and health in a variety of ways. It threatens the essential ingredients of good health – clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter.
Congleton Hydro may be a small project but it’s a small step in the right direction of a global problem that will affect everyone!
Climate Change Emergency
Our Mission & Approach
DVCE is registered as a Community Benefit Society with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (Registration Number 7142). This legal structure is regulated by the FCA and governed by rules, which can be viewed HERE.
The rules ensure that for example:
- The assets of the company can only be used for the benefit of the community (Asset Lock).
- Control of the Society is by the members on a one member, one vote principle.
- Disposable profits from the project will be used to benefit the local community.
Once Congleton Hydro is generating electricity and profits we will be inviting community groups and causes to apply for grants to further improve Congleton’s green credentials and sustainability. The true legacy of Congleton Hydro!
shares raised
The money needed to complete the project has been raised with the help of the community!
Investors
The minimum investment was £200 up to a maximum of £50,000. Every pound contributed has made the dream a reality!
Grants
Grants contributed from Bright Ideas Fund, Regional Communities Energy Fund and Community Share Booster Scheme have ensured the success of the project.
power for 60 homes
Once up and running the hydro will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 60 homes.
A Letter from the Board
Australia is burning. Indonesia is drowning. We have record temperatures and floods here in the UK. We hear every day about the climate change emergency and yet it seems the vast majority of us have been desperately slow to respond. You may even be feeling some personal guilt. Just this morning, you may have driven a petrol or a diesel powered vehicle. You ate meat for dinner last night. You booked a flight to Europe or further, turned up the heat, or horror-of-horrors you left your reusable shopping bags at home.
Of course, our options are limited in terms of what we as individuals can do to make a real difference but; can you honestly say you’ve taken any significant steps towards reducing your own carbon foot print? If you have, then you’re to be congratulated, but are you striving for ways to do even more to help the planet?
Well, Congleton Hydro, which is owned and operated by Dane Valley Community Energy is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a community comes together, from the board members, volunteers to the investors, we thank each and everyone of you!
The Congleton Hydro scheme is one of the last in England to lock in a guaranteed government renewable energy subsidy which, together with the support we have procured from industry partners, has enabled us to develop a financially viable scheme. Not only will the project deliver carbon free power, but it will also generate funds for local community projects and environmentally focused educational initiatives for adults and school children alike.
Finally, as a Community Benefit Society, we are committed to encouraging people to get involved in taking responsibility for looking after their environment. We hope you join us on this journey to creating renewable energy, as the project moves forward it will present some great opportunities for Volunteers to get involved and help realise the ultimate goal of developing the Green Champions of the Future.
The future is definitely green!
Paul Guymer
Chairman – Paul Guymer BSc (Director)
As the Town Mayor of Congleton, I am delighted to see this long-awaited project starting to become a reality. Not only will it redirect renewable energy back into the community, but it will be an educational tool for future generations to see how we can harness what is already available to us and transform it into clean energy.
Our Partners & Sponsors
Get In Touch
Dane Valley Community Energy Ltd is a Community Benefit Society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA - Registration Number 7142) as defined by the Cooperatives and Community Benefit Societies Act, 2014 and governed by rules which can be viewed HERE.