A new ethical energy company, Rebel Energy, has launched in Teddington after being set up by a local resident.

Rebel Energy is a 100% renewable electricity provider with a social mission to make energy more afforable in the UK.

The company was co-founded by ex-BP employee and Teddington resident Dan Bates, who lives near Bushy Park with his family.

A launch event for the new energy provider was held last Friday (10 September), during which the 12-strong team opened their offices on 8 Waldegrave Road to the public.

Speaking at the event, Dan said it was "a momentous day" for the company which he founded 18 months ago.

He reflected on the "great memories" that he and wife Sarah had since they moved to Teddington, and Rebel's desire to be a local company.

"Teddington has always been at the heart of it," he said. "Rebel gives something back to the community."

Dan told Nub News that the company aims to hire top Teddington talent, especially working mums who may not want a long commute into London.

"A lot of families set up here," he added. "There's a high calibre of local talent."

The company is also providing paid opportunities to young people who live locally.

Twickenham Orleans Park sixth-form leaver Max completed an internship over the summer.

And Oxford University graduate Sasha, based in Putney, has swapped grad schemes for a longer internship with Rebel - which she described as "a natural fit" with her values.

Rebel Energy also have a partnership with Kingston University and are keen to make more links with local schools and universities.

Asked what sets Rebel Energy apart from other sustainable energy companies, COO and co-founder Penelope Hope highlighted its goal to reduce fuel poverty which 1 in 10 UK households suffer from.

The company is the only for-profit renewable energy provider with a social mission, she said.

Rebel Energy are currently applying for B-corp status, which means they will be legally bound to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

In an interview with Current News earlier this year, the company founders said they would reduce costs by using automation and AI systems for repetitive tasks.

They will also be offering weekly tariffs to customers over monthly ones, allowing low-income customers to balance their budget more easily.

At the moment Rebel Energy buys renewable power using Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin.

Their long-term aim is to set up agreements with renewable energy generators across the UK and ultimately to become a producer of renewable energy.

Hampton Hill resident and ex-BP employee Richard Woodfine is another local hire by the company.

Richard is leading Rebel Restoration, the company's charity arm which invests in projects in the UK that offset carbon emissions.

The Oxford graduate and Earth scientist explained the importance of respecting biodiversity in carbon offsetting and supporting locally led projects, such as one to restore peat bogs in Yorkshire which the charity is supporting.

Rebel Energy currently have 300 customers who are beta-testing their service and they hope to reach customers across the UK - including in Teddington.

Teddington MP Munira Wilson was at the launch.

She told Nub News: "I am so excited that Rebel Energy, an innovative start-up and first-ever for-profit energy company with a social purpose, has been founded by a Teddington resident and will be based in the area.

"Rebel's vision and ambition to tackle fuel poverty, sell renewable energy and invest in community biodiversity projects through the charitable venture Rebel Restoration is desperately needed now more than ever before with energy prices spiralling and given the climate and biodiversity emergencies we are facing.

"I am sure their ethos and values will chime with many local residents and I wish them every success.

"It's wonderful to see entrepreneurship with a social and envrionmental conscience thriving in the borough."