Ripple Energy wind farm?

thevilla

https://youtu.be/kt4ILc5dCN8

24 minutes : if the farm operates for > 25 years share holders still receive benefits

https://rippleenergy.com/FAQ/the-co-op

See the last in this FAQ regarding decommissioning.

I wish Ripple had one FAQ.  They seem to have separate ones for different audiences.

JKenH

It is surprising how many unanswered questions this Ripple offer is throwing up. Perhaps it hasn’t  been fully thought through. One for the believers, I think. 

Coastalwatch

Copied from Ripples FAQ section. The last sentence is plain enough for me to read and understand hence why I was perfectly happy to take part in both their offers. Obviously others are not so easily convinced, taking part is purely voluntary, so one either invests for the future good of man and woman kind or one doesn't.

What happens at the end of the wind farm's life?

Towards the end of the wind farm's life the co-op will assess its options. These may include (1) decommissioning the turbines and walking away (2) putting up new turbines, or (3) refurbishing the existing turbines to extend their life.
If the co-op members decide to decommission the turbines the decommissioning costs and the scrap value of the turbines will be assessed. The difference between the two will be built up over a number of years. If it decides to put up new turbines then it will open a new share issue to raise the money to do that. You would not be obliged to participate in the 'new' wind farm share offer. If the co-op decided to refurbish the turbines the cost of the refurbishment would be built up from the operating costs. Co-op members are not required to pay additional monies to the co-op at any point.

thevilla

JKenH said:

It is surprising how many unanswered questions this Ripple offer is throwing up. Perhaps it hasn’t  been fully thought through. One for the believers, I think. 

I think they're all answered but the communications are a little naive making casual research more difficult than it could be.

I'm a believer though.  I waste more on beer.  (I don't consider it wasted really )

JKenH

Coastalwatch said:

Copied from Ripples FAQ section. The last sentence is plain enough for me to read and understand hence why I was perfectly happy to take part in both their offers. Obviously others are not so easily convinced, taking part is purely voluntary, so one either invests for the future good of man and woman kind or one doesn't.

What happens at the end of the wind farm's life?

Towards the end of the wind farm's life the co-op will assess its options. These may include (1) decommissioning the turbines and walking away (2) putting up new turbines, or (3) refurbishing the existing turbines to extend their life.
If the co-op members decide to decommission the turbines the decommissioning costs and the scrap value of the turbines will be assessed. The difference between the two will be built up over a number of years. If it decides to put up new turbines then it will open a new share issue to raise the money to do that. You would not be obliged to participate in the 'new' wind farm share offer. If the co-op decided to refurbish the turbines the cost of the refurbishment would be built up from the operating costs. Co-op members are not required to pay additional monies to the co-op at any point.

In respect of decommissioning  it simply says the decommissioning costs and the scrap value will be assessed and the difference between the two will be built up over a number of years; not who picks up the bill if, say, the government puts a massive landfill tax on turbine blades. If that appears likely and provision has to be made out of operating costs then the members’ “profit” might be reduced. 

I’m just being picky but someone asked the question so is worried enough that there might be a problem. 

I’m not sure investing a couple of £k in one wind farm will have much impact on mankind’s future so don’t feel too guilty if you decide to opt out. Stopping using oil or gas (👏 to @Coastalwatch on that one) might have more impact. There have been and will be bigger threats to worry about.

On that score would it be considered green and ethical to invest in a concrete bunker? 

thevilla

"Co-op members are not required to pay additional monies to the co-op at any point."

Is that not sufficiently categoric?

JKenH

thevilla said:

"Co-op members are not required to pay additional monies to the co-op at any point."

Is that not sufficiently categoric?

No.

The customer agreement says

13 OPERATING COSTS SHORTFALL

In the event that the Price Paid to the Society does not cover the Project Operating Costs for any reason, the Society may request that You (as a Member) contribute additional funds to cover such operating costs. Your contribution will be based on Your Ownership Percentage. The value of such contribution shall be decided upon by the Board, such decision to be taken in accordance with the Society’s Rules. In the event You fail to pay such contribution to the Society, Your Ownership Percentage may be reduced according to a formula decided upon by the Board, such decision to be taken in accordance with the Society’s Rules.

paul991

which means you need never pay any more your  ownership percentage will just  go down. I am beginning think some people on here are deliberately for what ever reason trying  to put a downer on this, with the recent energy price increases what was a fair investment is looking as a very  good one.suppose we  could all get  nuked tomorrow

JKenH

It is a good investment in my view but no point in hiding the risks. You are quite right, we could all get nuked tomorrow and that puts the risks in perspective. 

paulbds

I'm still waiting a couple of hours before I commit - deadline is midnight.
really tempted.........