[eng] press information · som energia

Together we have the power

Som Energia is Catalunya's first renewable energycooperative. The model is already well developed andfunctioning successfully in northern European countriessuch as the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.There, hundreds of thousands of homeowners aremembers of non-profit cooperatives that provide themwith affordable electricity generated by wind turbines,solar panels, biogas plants etc.Such projects are too expensive for the majority of usto set up individually. What Som Energia offers is theopportunity for thousands of people who support theidea of powering their homes with locally-generated,clean, sustainable electricity the chance to cometogether to make the concept a reality.

How can I participate?

The first step is to become a member of Som Energia:all this requires is for you to sign-up and make a ¤100deposit (refundable should you decide to leave thecooperative). This can be done on the attached formor on our website (www.somenergia.cat/)Members will be entitled to buy renewable energygenerated from existing sources by September 2011.Our aim is to offer this eco-electricity at the sameprices as 'grey' electricity (Tarifa Ultima Recurs).In the meantime we will develop our own projects.Some projects could develop quickly (like small PVprojects). Others (like Wind Turbines) will take severalyears to develop.Members will have the opportunity to participatefinancially in these investment projects being developed.An expected 4 to 7% return will be paid on theseinvestments.

How does it work?

As a non-profit cooperative Som Energiawill establish cost-effective renewableenergy projects in Girona province tosupply energy to its socis.This will allow you to use affordable eco-electricity in your home - while playingyour part in transforming Catalunya intoa sustainable and environmentally-friendlyplace to live.No changes are required to how theelectricity enters your home. Som Energiawill simply arrange for the administrativechanges that are necessary to ensure theenergy you receive is from a renewablesource.

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