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Good Energy takes Bristol Pounds

Council tax, food shopping, bus fare - and now Bristol Pounds can be used to pay energy bills
Bristol Picture from MyGreenPod Sustainable News

Good Energy has become the world’s first energy company to accept a local currency, with customers now able to pay their energy bills using Bristol Pounds.

‘Good Energy joining the Bristol Pound is a major step forward for the city. It means that residents can now pay for energy services along with other essentials like food and transport with money that supports a fairer local economy, whilst fighting climate change by increasing renewable energy.

‘We think this sets a precedent for other utility companies to follow suit – Good Energy are showing us it’s possible for an organisation supplying electricity generated from clean, local sources to use a currency which helps the rest of the economy go green.’

Ciaran Mundy, Bristol Pound CIC CEO and director

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Doing things differently

The West Country-based organisation, which supplies 100% renewable electricity to homes and businesses across the UK, made the announcement during Bristol’s Big Green Week, the UK’s annual festival of environmental ideas, sponsored by Good Energy.

‘The Bristol Pound is a tangible demonstration of the way Bristol does things differently, and it’s gone from strength to strength since it was first introduced.

‘I’m delighted to hear that Good Energy now accepts our very own local currency – along with over 800 Bristol businesses, large and small, which is excellent news for the local circular economy.’

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol

‘A world first’

Good Energy buys renewable electricity from a wide range of generators in the South West including Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese maker and Worthy Farm, home of Glastonbury Festival.

‘We believe the future of energy is homegrown, sustainable generation which benefits communities and the planet. We’re incredibly excited to be leading the way by inviting our customers in Bristol to support green energy and their local economy at the same time.

‘This is a world first, there’s simply nowhere else you can pay for your gas and electricity with a local currency.’

Juliet Davenport, Good Energy CEO and founder

The Bristol Pound is the first city-wide currency in the UK, the largest alternative to sterling and the first to be used to pay taxes to Bristol City Council. The scheme is run as a not-for-profit partnership with Bristol Credit Union, and is one of the largest local currency schemes in the world.

Closing the loop

Good Energy staff will have the option of receiving part of their pay in Bristol Pounds and the company plan to use the currency to pay suppliers in Bristol, completing the loop and ensuring money is kept in the local area.

Quote ‘Bristol Pound’ when switching to Good Energy’s 100% renewable electricity or dual fuel tariffs and you will receive 50 Bristol Pounds.

Click here to find out more about Good Energy and how to switch to the 100% renewable electricity supplier.

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