Background
Baywind Energy Community Trust (BWECT) was formed in 1998 as a voluntary condition for obtaining planning consent for a windfarm located at Harlock Hill, Pennington near Ulverston in Cumbria. The Trust was primarily funded by the owners of the wind farm, Baywind Energy Co-operative Ltd and from 1998 to 2015 between £1,200 and £2,500 was paid to the Trust each year. From 2016 annual funding has come from High Winds Community Energy Society, Mean Moor the owners of Harlock Hill's five turbines.
Bwect is registered with the Charities Commission number 1185599.
Objects
- To promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment in particular by providing grants for the installation and raising awareness of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, technology and solutions.
- The prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship by providing assistance to the people who are in fuel poverty
BWECT makes grants to such people or organisations in order to meet its objects.
Income & Aims
Baywind no longer owns the five original turbines at Harlock Hill. The site was re-powered in 2016 with two bigger turbines under a new co-op named High Winds Community Energy Society. High Winds has agreed to pledge to BWECT at least £3,000 per MW installed per annum. Income has also been pledged from Mean Moor Ltd, the owners of the wind farm opposite High Winds. Funding commenced in 2020.
The significant increase in future funding means BWECT can continue to support individuals and organisations that meet its Objects within a wider geographical area than just local Parishes/Towns if need be. In 2018 BWECT received £30,000 from High Winds.
Trustees
Trustees are generally recruited from the local Parish, but membership is open. Currently, three local people, two directors from Baywind Energy Co-op and two directors from High Winds Community Energy, act as Trustees. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee please contact us at the address or phone number below.
How do the Trustees operate the fund?
BWECT Trustees meet on a regular basis to decide how to use the funds. Applications are received throughout the year and the trustees make their decision to meet the Objects of BWECTs trust deed and the grant funds based on the merit of each request to meet the aims of BWECT and the cost involved. BWECT has worked with many organisations and individuals over the years to offer different ways of delivering energy efficiency.
