Bloom Rural Energy Network & SWGN
BREN is a renewable energy trading network for farms and rural businesses in the Southwest. Within BREN, we can build a private energy market for Southwest Grain Network.
Bloom Rural Energy Network
BREN coordinates the buying and selling of participating farms’ renewable energy from solar panels, wind turbines, biomass and AD plants. In creating a peer-to-peer network of energy generators, consumers and prosumers, we aim to localise energy production and protect the energy resilience of Devon’s rural communities.
BREN uses a management system which enables farms and rural businesses to make the transition to clean energy by:
Ensuring a steady 100% renewable energy supply
Lowering renewable energy prices
Raising energy export prices
Energy surplus with the network is supplied in real-time to customers through a software platform powered by an established energy retailer, Urban Chain.
How the Southwest Grain Network Could Operate
The SWGN could create their own private green energy market – within BREN. This would mean that businesses in SWGN that generate green energy through renewables (e.g. solar PV, hydro, wind or AD) can sell it to others in the network.
Businesses in SWGN who don’t have renewables can buy green energy from generators in the network.
If we can create a balanced portfolio of generators and consumers, then we create a private market – and when that happens, generators and consumers in the network agree the buy and sell price of their green energy.
And that’s exciting!
Yes! I want to register my interest in this scheme - what do I need to do?
Please WhatsApp Robyn with the following info:
– the date your current energy contract expires
– the amount of electricity you use each year in kWh
– the amount of electricity you generate each year in kWh (if you have renewables)
– your name, address and company name
– the MPAN number (21-digit number for your meter which will be on your energy bill and begin with an ‘S’)
– and if possible, a photo of you latest energy bill
We will use this info to model a private energy market and present our findings to the SWGN. Please note, providing this info in no way ties you into the scheme.
There are 3 ways to join BREN
1. Generator
If you’re a farmer or run a rural business that generates clean energy from solar, wind, hydro or anaerobic digestion (AD), we will buy your excess energy for a reasonable price and sell it to other local rural businesses.
2. Consumer
If you’re a farmer or run a rural business that wants a 100% clean energy supply, you can buy locally produced energy from us at a competitive price.
3. Prosumer
If you need to both buy and sell energy, we can buy and sell you energy at the right time, always at a competitive price.
BREN is committed to clean, green and locally sourced power, ensuring that every Watt originates from renewable sources. The network never relies on fossil fuels, nuclear power or resorts to greenwashing and offsets. Transparency is paramount – clients know precisely where their energy comes from, and how it’s been produced.
BREN – what’s the big idea?
Our UK energy market was built to allow giant fossil fuel plants to sell energy at a premium across the country via the big energy companies. But smaller solar, wind, hydro and AD plants have mushroomed across the country. AI technology is allowing renewable energy to be sold in the same community that it’s produced. And because it’s being sold locally, some of the cost of transmission can be saved, and passed on to customers, making green energy competitively priced.
FAQs
Will joining BREN save me money on my electricity bills?
Yes, in 75% of cases, BREN will save you significant amount of money on your energy bill. In 25% of cases, it may cost the same or marginally more than your current supplier, but it will be 100% guaranteed green energy. The best way to find out is to request a quote from us.
Do I need to generate excess renewable energy to join BREN?
No. We need a mixture of farms and businesses – some who produce excess renewable energy, and some consume renewable energy.
Do I need a half hourly meter to join BREN?
Yes. But if you don’t have one, we can arrange to have one installed.
Will I be charged a standing charge and MOP charges through BREN?
Yes. Our aim is to be 100% transparent in how we charge for energy. So, we will give you a breakdown that tells you the:
- Unit price of your energy per kWh
- Daily standing charge
- Cost of Meter Operator (MOP) and DC/DA charges (and if you don’t know what these are, we’ll take the time to explain them)
Can I use my own MOP provider if I want to?
Yes. Just give us the details when you come to signing your new energy contract, so that we can connect them with Urban Chain.
Who will I be signing an energy contract with?
Bloom Rural Energy Network is powered by Urban Chain. The contract will be between you (the customer) and Urban Chain (the energy supplier).
To whom will I be paying my bills?
You will be paying Urban Chain for your energy usage, preferably by Direct Debit which can be set up when contracts are signed.
How long does an energy contract with BREN last?
Contracts are for one year and you will be reminded that a renewal is coming up 3 months before the end of your contract.