How energy communities could help small businesses cut electricity costs
Rising electricity prices have become a major hurdle for companies, and the challenge grows with company size. The Alicante Chamber identified this issue early and launched a plan to promote energy communities as a way to reduce bills for small businesses, particularly self-employed workers who do not have the option to install solar panels on their own. The initiative is still being shaped, but the chamber maintains active discussions with the Generalitat, the Provincial Council, and the 17 city councils across the region.
The surge in energy costs is rippling through the economy, squeezing profit margins and threatening the viability of some ventures. While the situation is cause for concern, small firms with limited alternatives are left facing the problem head on.
Chamber president Carlos Baño notes that larger companies with their own factories and warehouses can often install solar rooftops or even wind turbines. They may also access funding from European sources or through Ivace. The real challenge lies with establishments that lack such opportunities, often located on ground floors of buildings where rooftop or nearby solar installations are impractical.
To address this, the chamber has begun shaping a plan for energy communities that takes advantage of a legislative change allowing connections beyond a five-kilometer radius. The idea is to identify suitable sites for solar power plants so small businesses in surrounding areas can benefit from electricity produced at prices below the market rate.
In this effort, Parliament maintains contact with 17 municipalities as well as the regional government bodies and provincial authorities that have previously collaborated on renewable energy programs. Baño explains that the initiative started from those early partnerships but aims to expand across more municipalities, transcending political lines. The chamber positions itself as a white-label entity striving to serve the entire business community. With abundant sunshine, the plan emphasizes maximizing daytime generation to support industries currently navigating a critical period. The message is clear: seize the sunlight and make the most of it for the economic fabric as a whole.
Experts highlight that energy communities can pool resources, distribute generated power efficiently, and potentially stabilize electricity costs for small operators who otherwise face steep day-to-day expenses. This approach could complement other measures at the national and regional levels, ensuring that even businesses in dense urban areas can participate in sustainable energy projects. The Alicante initiative serves as a practical model for similar regions seeking affordable power without the need for every business to invest in private infrastructure.
Several factors influence the success of energy communities, including regulatory alignment, grid access, and robust coordination among local authorities, business associations, and energy providers. The Alicante Chamber’s strategy focuses on transparency, shared benefits, and scalable solutions so small enterprises can grow with greater cost predictability. As prices continue to fluctuate, collaborative projects that leverage collective buying power and public funding may emerge as a durable solution for the smallest players in the marketplace.
Overall, the plan underscores a broader shift toward community-led energy resilience. For many small businesses, the possibility of reduced energy bills is not just a financial relief but a strategic advantage that supports continuity, investment, and job retention during challenging times. By fostering energy communities, the region aims to create a more stable, accessible, and locally powered economy that can weather ongoing price volatility.