New Community Energy Company Launched On The Isle Of Wight

Green Isle of Wight CIC has officially launched Vectis Energy, a new community energy company aimed at delivering locally owned, fair and low-carbon energy projects on the Isle of Wight.

The launch took place on Wednesday 14 January at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, bringing together local businesses, community groups and potential investors.

Attendees heard details of the company’s first flagship project, Power Together, which will become the Island’s first community-owned Virtual Power Plant.

Vectis Energy has been created by Green Isle of Wight CIC and is run by the same team.

The new organisation will act as a dedicated vehicle to develop, own and operate community energy assets, ensuring that both environmental and social benefits remain on the Island.

The Power Together project will link smart battery systems installed in homes, schools and small businesses across the Isle of Wight.

The batteries will store clean energy when supply is high and release it back to the grid at peak times, helping to improve energy resilience, cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills.

Supported by funding from the Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme, the project plans to install between 100 and 200 smart batteries across the Island.

Participants could see annual savings of between £50 and £300, while the scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 700 tonnes per year.

A key focus of the project is accessibility. Reduced-cost and fully funded battery options are being developed to ensure lower-income households can take part, reflecting Green Isle of Wight CIC’s commitment to fairness and inclusion.

Speaking at the launch, representatives from Green Isle of Wight CIC and the Centre for Energy Equality said the creation of Vectis Energy marks a move from years of community work tackling fuel poverty to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.

Lisa Beaney, Director of Green Isle of Wight CIC, said:

“Vectis Energy exists because Green Isle of Wight exists.

"We needed a structure that could own assets, work with investors and deliver projects at scale while staying true to our community purpose.

"Power Together is the first step, and it shows what’s possible when energy is designed around people, not just profit.”

Organisers said the event attracted strong interest from local businesses and investors keen to support community-led energy projects that deliver financial returns alongside environmental and social benefits.

Community engagement and registration of interest for the Power Together project is now open. More information is available at vectisenergy.org.