Edinburgh energy provider promoted by rugby star Gareth Thomas hails milestone after 300% surge

An Edinburgh energy provider founded as a social enterprise has hailed a customer milestone after 300 per cent growth in the past year.
By Scott Reid
Published 26th Nov 2020, 12:30 BST
People’s Energy, the UK’s first community interest company energy supplier, was founded by Karin Sode and David Pike. Picture: Sandy young PhotographyPeople’s Energy, the UK’s first community interest company energy supplier, was founded by Karin Sode and David Pike. Picture: Sandy young Photography
People’s Energy, the UK’s first community interest company energy supplier, was founded by Karin Sode and David Pike. Picture: Sandy young Photography

People’s Energy, founded in 2017 as the UK’s first community interest company (CIC) energy supplier, said it had reached the milestone of supplying 250,000 customers. The venture aims to service a million homes with gas and electricity by 2024.

The growth spurt has been aided by the launch of a TV ad campaign fronted by ex-rugby star Gareth Thomas.

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People’s Energy, which was founded by husband-and-wife team David Pike and Karin Sode, has taken on 150 additional staff and opened an office in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. It has increased its headcount to 375 people.

Pike, who is the firm’s chief executive, said: “We are thrilled that we now have over 250,000 customers on board with us, helping us to realise and get closer to our mission of tackling fuel poverty.

“The company has seen huge growth in the past year, and as we scale further we hope to provide more help to households most in need.

“We believe that energy is a human right and should be fairly shared amongst us all. As a company that puts our people before profits, we’re happy that we have a quarter of a million members who have chosen to be part of this movement”.

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The company has pledged to prioritise the welfare of its communities above profits, including a commitment to give back 75 per cent of its profits to its customers in the coming years.

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People's Energy creating 100 Borders jobs in major expansion

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