Last year's acquisition of green energy retailer PowerShop by oil giant Shell left many customers feeling devastated and betrayed, with many jumping ship to find a new ethical energy retailer. With discussions around fossil fuel corporations becoming convoluted with misinformation and greenwashing, we shine a spotlight on a newer green energy retailer that seeks to tackle a problem many Australians face: increased cost of living from rising electricity costs despite stagnated wages.
Cooperative Power (or CoPower for short) is a not-for-profit cooperative operating within Australia’s energy sector. They are a member-owned and member-run cooperative that provides sustainable, ethical and clean energy options for Australians to transition away from fossil fuels. CoPower’s model works by paying a small annual membership fee in return for retail electricity at wholesale price. As their structure does not allow for profit, there is a democratic vote amongst members for causes to invest the money into, including furthering green energy sources, fighting poverty and supporting vulnerable communities.
Last year 100% of profits were used to help mitigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. For 2022/23 CoPower raised $100,000 for members to invest back into their communities, and after three rounds of votes fifteen initiatives were selected. These include a Melbourne Pollinator Corridor to support the native bees and ecosystem, an upgrade for the Aboriginal Women’s Yumba (Home Camp), funding for a Network Organiser & Campaign Coordinator to empower Victorian communities to move away from gas, among many others.
The integrity of CoPower is reinforced by the notable unions and union members that own and manage them, including the United Workers Union, Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions Inc, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch), the Victorian Trades Hall Social Committee and the Australian Unemployed Workers Union.
At a time where fossil fuel companies are taking advantage of the Ukraine war to hike prices for greater profit margins, CoPower offers a refreshing alternative to large conglomerates. Their philosophy is underpinned by a strong belief in the impacts of climate change and in returning power to members to serve their communities.
