Wolfhagen BEG is a consumer cooperative that is co-owner of the Stadtwerke Wolfhagen, a municipal energy producer. It provides an outstanding example of what can be called a ‘public-common’ partnership, where a municipal utility is co-owned and co-governed by a cooperation between the public authority and a citizens consumer cooperative. It is thus an excellent example of what is called a ‘just transition’, not only contributed to increased energy efficiency and production of renewable energy, but democratizing both access and ownership. Cooperative members currently receive a grant for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances, the purchase of programmable radiator thermostats and on-site energy advice. Since 2014, more than 130 members have submitted applications for the purchase of new household appliances with the highest energy efficiency class and have been reimbursed up to ten percent of the initial costs, up to a maximum of 50 euros. The cooperative also promotes the purchase of electric bikes, subsidising up to 10 percent of the purchase price or €150 per member.
