Kirkbride Energy Co-operative came about in 2013 thanks to a National Lottery Grant. It is run by a  committee of three (volunteer) Directors – Ann Kirk, Frank Mawby, and Keith Stamper and two additional committee members Caroline Carey and  Peter Seth. A self- employed co-ordinator (Jenni Tuck) joined us at the end of January 2014 .

The National Lottery grant has been used to improve the insulation at Kirkbride Village Hall and to start a bulk fuel buying group.

The Village Hall
Originally it was hoped to replace the oil boiler in the hall with a more efficient and greener boiler. The hall was independently assessed by an Energy Expert and from the results of his findings it was decided to keep the current boiler, which was in fact quite efficient, and instead seek ways to improve the building’s insulation which was sadly outdated and very inefficient.
We have now had the walls insulated and dry lined, underfloor insulation has been put in and all pipes lagged and the roof insulation has been brought up to current standards. All damaged double-glazed windows have been replaced and a new carpet and thermally lined curtains have all added to the insulation. At the same time extra electric sockets have been installed and a new oil tank put into replace the old one that was in a very sorry state.The hall has been redecorated and we all hope and expect to see an increase in usage now that the hall is so much warmer.

The Oil Group
An oil order is placed monthly throughout the year, with excellent prices being achieved as a result of the size of the order. The Co-ordinator contacts 5 or 6 local oil suppliers to get the best price. With monthly orders of up to 22,000 litres it has been possible to get savings of 7-8p per litre for all members.

Please see our products and services page to find out more details, to join the co-operative and to order oil and/or coal.

The Coal Group
The first bulk order for coal was placed in November 2014 with a view to continue this through-out the winter months. Currently we are using Nicholson Coal Merchant of Cockermouth who gives us a £1 per sack discount on his already competitive prices, provided we have a total order of 40 sacks of any type of coal.

Please see our products and services page to find out more details and to join the co-operative and to order oil and/or coal.

Kirkbride Energy Co-operative became Kirkbride Community and Energy Co-operative at its AGM in Sept 2014, when it was decided that energy was not the only topic on the agenda.

Products and/or Services
Why not join Kirkbride Community and Energy Co-operative and reduce your Energy Costs!

If you live in Kirkbride, Newton Arlosh, Glasson, Drumburgh, Bowness-on-Solway, Anthorn or Abbeytown (or any of the area in between) you are invited to join our group and save money on your oil and coal. Since our first order in February 2014 we have made an average saving of 5.29p per litre. This means that for a household ordering 1500 -2000 litres this year we have saved them around £80 to £105.

We order oil every month and coal every month during the winter months. There is a small charge of £10 per year to join the co-operative and you are not committed to purchasing your oil or coal  through us.

Click here for an application form to join the Energy Co-operative.