Good Energy supports bright sparks in creation of first ‘eBay for energy’

Chippenham-based renewable electricity supplier, Good Energy, has teamed up with innovative energy startup, Open Utility, to trial a pioneering new service that will enable commercial consumers and renewable generators to trade electricity.

The aim of the online marketplace, named Piclo, is to provide an ‘eBay for energy’ that could offer more transparency and control than ever before.

The six-month trial allows businesses to buy renewable electricity directly from specific sites. Renewable generators will be able to sell their electricity directly to their neighbours, local businesses or schools for the best price.

Good Energy will act as utility partner for the ground breaking scheme, working closely with Open Utility to ensure that Piclo meets all regulatory requirements and help facilitate billing.

Good Energy founder and chief executive Juliet Davenport said: “We’re pleased to be in partnership with Open Utility. Piclo is an innovative service that puts consumers at the heart of energy and could unlock the potential of renewables in the UK. This is something we passionately support as a pioneering independent energy supplier.”

James Johnston, co –founder and CEO of Open Utility said: “We are excited to work together with Good Energy to deliver Piclo, a brand new way to buy and sell renewable electricity in the UK.

“This project brings together the UK’s leading renewables focused energy supplier with a customer-centric technology company from the heart of London’s Tech City. Together, Good Energy and Open Utility are taking a significant first step towards giving people more control over their energy, and helping support a future powered by renewables.”

Open Utility and Good Energy are currently recruiting a limited number of commercial consumers and renewable generators to be the first to try out Piclo. Anyone interested in joining the trial can register at innovation@goodenergy.co.uk

The innovative project is backed by The Energy Entrepreneurs Fund scheme run by The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Match funding has been provided by Nominet Trust.

Ofgem are following its progress and have expressed a keen interest in the project. Piclo gives unprecedented control and choice to customers, and as a marketplace, prices will vary depending on supply and demand.