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Niepołomice Community Energy Cooperative – Local Power for Shared Prosperity

Proposal code: CONSUL-2025-10-14

A community energy cooperative in Niepołomice empowering residents to produce renewable energy, cut energy bills and reduce energy poverty in municipality through local collaboration.

The Niepołomice Community Energy Cooperative is going to a pioneering initiative uniting residents, the municipality, housing associations, and local NGOs to co-create a sustainable and inclusive energy future. The project aims to establish a formally recognized energy cooperative that will generate renewable electricity through a photovoltaic installation on the roof of a multi-family building.

The cooperative will operate on a democratic, member-driven model that encourages participation from both producer and consumer households. Producer members – those with higher energy bills and a willingness to co-invest – will collaborate with consumer members, particularly energy-poor households lacking resources or suitable spaces for renewable installations. This inclusive approach ensures that all residents benefit from lower energy costs, reduced pollution, and improved living conditions.

Key partners include the housing association as a hub for idea exchange and activity coordination, the municipality as facilitator and mentor, and local NGOs providing organizational and technical guidance. The municipality will also offer mentoring throughout all project phases, from planning and funding to installation and long-term operation.

Major activities will include member recruitment, legal establishment of the cooperative, securing funding from EU, national, and local programs, and developing a transparent billing system that ensures fair cost recovery and equitable benefits. Awareness-raising campaigns through municipal websites, social media and local meetings will promote the cooperative and attract new participants.

• Polish pilot