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Unlock local energy value
Connect batteries, EVs, solar, flexible buildings and businesses to support the electricity system and create new revenue opportunities.
A virtual power plant with a social purpose Powering communities.
Powering communities.
Changing lives.
What if homes, schools, community buildings and businesses could work together as one power plant, and the value they create could help build a fairer future for everyone?
That's SocialVPP. Connecting local energy, unlocking flexibility and keeping more of the benefits where they belong: in our communities.
Not just a smarter energy system. A fairer one. Local flexibility • Community investment • Shared benefits • Lasting social impact
The difference
Energy shouldn't just flow through a community. Its benefits should stay there.
As we electrify transport, heat and industry, our networks need greater flexibility. Meanwhile, communities face rising costs, unequal access to technology and a growing need for local investment. SocialVPP brings these challenges together, turning the energy transition into an opportunity for places and people.
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Make participation inclusive
Design routes for households and organisations to participate, including people who cannot afford their own technology or need additional support.
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Reinvest where it matters
Combine participant benefits with community funds, local projects and investment in resilience, affordability and opportunity.
How it works
A whole community becomes part of the solution.
SocialVPP coordinates a mix of energy assets, from a household battery to a school, supermarket, community centre or business fleet. Together they can respond to changing electricity demand, renewable generation and local network constraints.
Experience it, play the game →From local assets to lasting value
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Bring people and places together Homes, businesses, schools, community organisations and local authorities.
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Connect flexible technologies Batteries, solar, smart EV charging, building loads and shared energy hubs.
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Respond when the system needs it Coordinate charging, demand and storage with suitable market and network signals.
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Share and reinvest the value Support participants, community funds and new local energy projects.
Why it matters Flexibility is the mechanism.
Flexibility is the mechanism.
Community impact is the mission.
We measure success by more than megawatts. SocialVPP is designed to deliver value across households, local economies, energy networks and communities.
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More affordable energy
Opportunities to lower energy costs and make energy technologies accessible to more people.
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Stronger communities
Community funds and reinvestment in shared facilities, local priorities and vulnerable households.
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A more flexible grid
Targeted local capacity that can help networks manage constraints and integrate low-carbon technologies.
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Investment with purpose
Opportunities for institutional capital and community participation to support scalable local infrastructure.
Find your role
There is a place for everyone in SocialVPP.
Whether you want to take part, bring the model to your area, invest in local energy or unlock flexibility on your network, there is a route to get involved.
For households and participants
Join a VPP ↗Explore local projects and opportunities to join a community virtual power plant.
For local authorities and community groups
Build a SocialVPP ↗Build a place-based programme with local partners, shared assets and community benefit at its heart.
For investors
Explore investment ↗Discover scalable distributed-energy opportunities, blended finance and community share offers.
For DSOs and infrastructure partners
Explore the DSO offer ↗Access CEE's managed service for constraint-led flexibility, community partnerships and social value delivery.
For organisations delivering social value
Create local impact ↗Turn infrastructure investment into a lasting community legacy with measurable local outcomes.
Built for scale. Rooted in place.
One model. Different communities. Locally shaped benefits.
Every place has different needs, technologies and network challenges. SocialVPP combines a repeatable delivery and operating model with local partnerships, flexible financing and community-led priorities.
Projects can bring together domestic batteries, larger community hubs, business flexibility, EVs and future vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home capability where technically and commercially suitable.
Start a project in your community →01
Start with the place
Understand local energy challenges, community needs, potential assets and network opportunities.
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Bring the right partners together
Coordinate councils, community organisations, networks, investors, technology partners and residents.
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Develop and operate
Mobilise projects, connect assets, support participants and manage delivery over the long term.
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Measure and grow the impact
Track energy, network, financial and social outcomes and reinvest in the next wave of local opportunity.
Developed by the Centre for Energy Equality Technology is only part of the answer.
Technology is only part of the answer.
People are the purpose.
SocialVPP is developed by the Centre for Energy Equality (CEE), a UK social enterprise working to ensure everyone can benefit from a safe, affordable and sustainable energy future. CEE combines energy engineering, digital platforms, consumer engagement, community partnerships and innovation to turn complex energy opportunities into practical local impact.
SocialVPP projects, funding structures, savings and flexibility services are subject to local feasibility, agreements and delivery arrangements. No financial returns or savings are guaranteed.