by tresoc | Jan 16, 2025 | Events
On the evening of January 10th, 2025, Energy Local Totnes (ELT) marked a significant milestone: its first Annual General Meeting. Held at The Mansion, this event brought together members, directors, and supporters to celebrate achievements, reflect on challenges, and chart the course for an even brighter future.
A Dream Realised
Sally Murrall-Smith, founder director of ELT and Managing Director of TRESOC, opened the meeting with a warm welcome. She shared her excitement about how far ELT has come since its inception. “Providing locally generated renewable electricity to local people” is not just an idea anymore – it’s a reality that is saving members money, reducing carbon footprints, and reinvesting in the local economy.
As the 10th Energy Local club – and the first to partner with 100Green – ELT is breaking new ground. Its innovative approach allows multiple local generators and even small businesses to participate, creating a more inclusive and sustainable energy model.
Looking Back: A Year of Progress
While ELT officially registered as a cooperative in June 2023, its journey to full operation wasn’t without hurdles. An initial generator withdrawal and technical issues delayed the start, but by October 2024, local hydro power from Totnes Weir Hydro began supplying the club. Despite the learning curve, ELT is already making an impact:
- 99.9% Local Hydro Usage: In December, members used almost entirely local hydroelectricity (charged at 15p per kWh), keeping costs low and carbon emissions minimal.
- Significant Savings: Members are already saving up to 30% on electricity bills.
Ambitious Plans for 2025
The future of ELT is as inspiring as its beginnings. Key goals for the year include:
- Growing Membership: Signing up 200 households and 400kW of renewable energy generators.
- Maximising Savings: Helping members reduce energy bills by 10-30% while cutting carbon emissions by 30%.
- Education and Engagement: Hosting workshops to teach members how to optimise energy use and developing renewable energy education programs for children.
- Expanding the Model: Establishing two new Energy Local clubs in Moretonhampstead and Ashburton, training new advisors, and promoting opportunities for low-income households.
These ambitions reflect ELT’s commitment to creating a fairer, greener energy system that benefits everyone.
Why Join Energy Local Totnes?
For Totnes residents not yet part of ELT, the benefits are clear:
- Save Money: Access cheaper, locally generated renewable electricity.
- Support Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
- Strengthen the Local Economy: Keep money within the community by supporting local renewable energy projects.
Be Part of the Change
As Sally aptly put it during the AGM, ELT’s success in Totnes could catalyse systemic change, proving that communities can take control of their energy and build a more equitable system. Why not be part of this transformative journey?
Visit our Energy Local Totnes page to learn more and sign up today. Together, we can create a cleaner, fairer energy future for Totnes and beyond.
by tresoc | Oct 19, 2022 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, News
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting at 7.00p.m. on Monday 14th November 2022. Members, friends and the public are welcome to attend, ask questions and help us develop our strategy for the year ahead – we’d like to welcome all of you! Our goal – as always – is that you are aligned with, and endorse, the efforts we are making on your behalf.
The Directors’ Report and a summary of our latest Accounts to 31st March 2022 will be sent out to members prior to the AGM, or you can download them via the links below. A signed copy of the accounts has been submitted to the Financial Services Authority, and will be available here prior to the AGM. In order to attend, email admin@tresoc.co.uk to register and receive the link.
If you are a member and are unable to attend, it is vital you arrange a Proxy Vote. The Rules of TRESOC require 10% of members to vote at the AGM and, with 560 members, every vote counts. Please download and sign the Proxy Voting Form and put through the door at – or post to – TRESOC, 107 High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SN, or scan and email to admin@tresoc.co.uk.
by tresoc | Mar 10, 2022 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, News
We’re delighted to be hosting Mary Gillie, Founder and Director of Energy Local, for a talk at the REconomy Centre in Totnes on Tuesday 15th March, between 6-7pm. Energy Local is a Community Interest Company transforming the electricity market for communities and small-scale renewable generators. Their mission is to help communities get more value from small-scale renewable generation by using the electricity locally. Thanks to a grant of £25,000 from Team Devon’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Business Prospectus Funding, TRESOC will be developing up to five new community-owned rooftop solar PV installations in Totnes. These will combine to establish an Energy Local Club in Totnes (Energy Local Totnes) to buy the electricity generated, effectively establishing Totnes’s own renewable energy marketplace. Within an Energy Local Club, householders and small businesses pay a lower price for electricity if they use renewable energy from local generators when it is generated; the customer pays less, and the generator receives more. Right now, people living near renewables purchase the electricity back for three or four times the price the generator is paid for it.
There are many community and environmental benefits to an ELC. The community benefits from reducing fuel poverty by selling energy affordably and allowing locally owned generators more control over pricing, all keeping the profits in the local economy. The environment benefits by customers reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
TRESOC are looking for five large south-facing roofs – they could be a school, a row of terraces or an industrial building – and for householders and businesses to join the Club and use the green, local, cheaper energy. They are also looking for someone to train as an energy advisor and to run the club. This will be a paid, part time role with flexible hours so would suit a parent with young children. In addition, volunteers will be needed to support setting up the Club and to be members of the Energy Local Totnes board.
TRESOC will own and operate the solar PV on each of the 5 sites (approximately 250kW, enough to power to boil 250 kettles at peak output) and will raise the capital to install the panels through a community share-offer, which means all profits from the scheme will return to the local economy. The occupiers of each site will have a Power Purchase Agreement with TRESOC for the energy used on site and any excess electricity will be sold into the Energy Local Club within the local substation area. The scheme will be supported by Energy Local CIC, who have established several Clubs in England and Wales. Totnes Energy Local Club will be the first to allow local small businesses to take part. Once the Club is established new generators can join, balanced by new customers, and the club can continue to grow. To take part generators and members of the club need to sign up to the same energy tariff, an Energy Local Tariff, that is currently being provided by Octopus Energy.
Anyone who would like to be involved in the Club, as an energy advisor, a member, a board member, or who knows of a large south facing roof, please email admin@tresoc.co.uk or call TRESOC on 01803 867431. And come to the talk! Places are limited to please book, again by emailing admin@tresoc.co.uk.
by tresoc | Oct 13, 2021 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, News
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting at 7.00p.m. on Wednesday 10th November 2021. Members, friends and the public are welcome to attend, ask questions and help us develop our strategy for the year ahead – we’d like to welcome all of you! Our goal – as always – is that you are aligned with, and endorse, the efforts we are making on your behalf.
The Directors’ Report and a summary of our latest Accounts to 31st March 2020 will be sent out to members by October 19th, or you can download them via the links below. A signed copy of the accounts has been submitted to the Financial Services Authority, and you can also see them using the link below. In order to attend, email admin@tresoc.co.uk to register and receive the link.
If you are a member and are unable to attend, it is vital you arrange a Proxy Vote. The Rules of TRESOC require 10% of members to vote at the AGM and, with 560 members, every vote counts. Please download and sign the Proxy Voting Form and put through the door at – or post to – TRESOC, 107 High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SN, or scan and email to admin@tresoc.co.uk.
by tresoc | Jul 28, 2021 | Events, Latest TRESOC News
We are hosting three FREE family-friendly moth events in August, in conjunction with Art & Energy Collective’s Moths To A Flame project. The project invites people to think about their relationship with energy, ahead of COP26 in Glasgow later this year, and to record their message of hope to the delegates.
10th August – The Moth’s Whisper Book Reading by Miranda Barlow
2pm @ St John’s Church, Bridgetown, Totnes
There will be a free moth activity pack for every child who attends
Come and join KEVICC alumni writer and illustrator Miranda Barlow at St John’s Church in Bridgetown for a reading of her book The Moth’s Whisper*, followed by an augmented reality moth-making session with a moth colouring sheet. Your drawings will be brought to life using the QuiverVision App and you can record a selfie with your own whisper of hope for the future, then share it online using #MothsToAFlame.
The Moth’s Whisper was specially commissioned for Moths to a Flame. It follows the journey of Marny, a newly emerged Yellow Underwing moth as she emerges from her pupa and discovers the world of humans as she journeys in search of the moon.
*The collective noun for moths is a whisper.
12th August – Family Moth-Making Event for a magnificent Climate Emergency mass-participation art installation for COP26, Glasgow
10am, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm @ Totnes Civic Hall
- Moth Making
- Record a message for COP26
17th August – Moth Watching
8.30am @ Totnes Weir Hydro
- Talk from a local moth expert
- Tour of the Hydro Plant
- Record a message for #COP26
- Make observational drawings of moths using handmade oak gall ink
Please pre-register for all events, to register please email charlotte@tresoc.co.uk
Places will be given out on a first come first served basis
by tresoc | Oct 5, 2020 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, News
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday 4th November 2020. This year we will be holding the AGM online and are delighted that wondermentalist poet Matt Harvey has agreed to be our guest speaker.
Members, friends and the public are welcome to attend, ask questions and help us develop our strategy for the year ahead – we’d like to welcome all of you! Our goal – as always – is that you are aligned with, and endorse, the efforts we are making on your behalf.
The Directors’ Report and a summary of our latest Accounts to 31st March 2020 will be sent out to members by October 8th. A signed copy of the accounts has been submitted to the Financial Services Authority, and you can see them using the link below. In order to attend, email admin@tresoc.co.uk to register and receive the link.
If you are a member and are unable to attend, it is VITAL you arrange a Proxy Vote. The Rules of TRESOC require 10% of members to vote at the AGM and, with 560 members, every vote counts. Please download and sign the Proxy Voting Form and put through the door at – or post to – TRESOC, 107 High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SN, or scan and email to admin@tresoc.co.uk.
by tresoc | Aug 13, 2020 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, News
This September and October, Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) and Transition Homes Community Land Trust (THCLT) will be holding a series of free public events. These will be part of TRESOC’s feasibility study into the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array plus on-site battery storage and electric vehicle charging points at THCLT’s 31-home Clay Park development. Please note the Focus Groups are for people interested in becoming residents of Clay Park only – if this is you contact info@transitionhomes.org.uk. To register for events, please email Sally on admin@tresoc.co.uk.
by tresoc | Oct 18, 2019 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, Membership, News
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday 13th November 2019 at the Totnes United Free Church, Fore Street, Totnes, TQ9 5RP. Please do join us for drinks at the Seven Stars following the official business of the AGM.
Members, friends and the public are welcome to come along, ask questions and help us develop our strategy for the year ahead – we’d like to welcome all of you! Our goal – as always – is that you are aligned with, and endorse, the efforts we are making on your behalf.
The Directors’ Report and a summary of our latest Accounts to 31st March 2019 will be available. A signed copy of the Accounts has been submitted to the Financial Services Authority, and copies will also be available. We would be grateful if you could let us know if you plan to attend.
If you are a member and are unable to attend, it is important you arrange a Proxy Vote. The Rules of TRESOC require 10% of members to vote at the AGM and, with 560 members, every vote counts. Please give your Proxy Vote to another Member or Director of the Society by downloading and signing the Proxy Voting Form. Give the completed Form to your nominated member, post to TRESOC, 107 High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SN, or scan and email to admin@tresoc.co.uk
by tresoc | Oct 18, 2019 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, News
The Community Energy Spring Gathering is an open space event hosted by the Devon Community Energy Network, and open to any community energy group. 2020’s two-day, fun-filled residential will take place at the beautiful Dartington Estate and will include walks, talks, fantastic food and collaborative discussion themed around community energy. The event aspires to build a community of practitioners that support each other. By sharing our experiences, learning from each other and building mutual trust and understanding, we hope to gain valuable input and perspectives on the issues that matter to us.
Here are some of the topics we covered last year:
Innovation: local supply and distribution, network innovation, renewable energy generation technologies, project economics and financing, how to raise £ millions, and a secondary market for solar
Consolidation: education and schools, rooftop PV lease-busting, collective action and co-ordination, collective ownership of renewables, fuel poverty and energy advice services, managing your assets more effectively and avoiding risk.
This year’s agenda comprises:
Friday 28th February
9.00 Tea and Coffee
9.30 Welcome and introductions
10.00 Brainstorming to define areas of interest for open sessions
10.30 Open Session 1
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Open Session 2
14.30 Tea and Coffee
15.30 Open Session 3
17.00 Session ends
19.00 Dinner at Waterside Bistro in Totnes
It takes 45 minutes to walk there, bus leaves at 18.05, or taxi takes 10 minutes.
Saturday 29th February
10 – 12.00 Walk along the Dart to Totnes Weir Hydro for Tour
To take part in the day, please book your tickets here.
by tresoc | Jul 30, 2019 | Events, Latest TRESOC News
Sally has been working with Art&Energy CIC to bring TRESOC these day long workshops, where participants will have the chance to:
- get hands on with solar power
- learn how solar panels work
- explore what goes into making one
- handle the tools and components involved
- test their device
At the end of the day participants will be able to take home their own solar panel to charge their devices. All materials are included and no experience is necessary but because of space limitations, the workshops are for adults only. Places are first come first served, so please click on the dates below and book now to avoid disappointment!
by tresoc | Jul 23, 2019 | Events, News
The Staverton Hydro Community Benefit Society (SHCBS) will be welcoming residents of Staverton Parish and TRESOC members to an update meeting on progress with the Staverton Hydro Project from 7-9pm on Wednesday 31st July at The Courtroom, Staverton.
Although the opportunity to pre-register for FIT payments has now passed there are other routes to realisation of the project in the near term and the SHCBS Board wishes to consult with the local community before taking a decision on how best to proceed. The Staverton Hydro Project is still in the planning process, pending a decision from the Environment Agency on whether to approve the Project. TRESOC and the Fishtek consortium are working closely with the EA on the Reports and Studies required to address concerns raised and we are encouraged by a suggestion from the Agency to work with SHCBS on a profit sharing basis to realise this.
The evening will consist of a short presentation on the current state of play, followed by a discussion where we would like to hear views on the options available for making further progress.
by tresoc | Nov 6, 2018 | Events, Latest TRESOC News, Membership, News
Find out more about the TCDS’s new membership opportunity at Tresoc’s AGM.
Also giving a short presentation on the night, Mark Burton from the Totnes Community Development Society [TCDS] will talk about the exciting new developments that, as a local community member, you can help support.
Totnes Renewable Energy Society are signing up to this free membership offer which is available to download here or, alternatively by visiting their website.
TCDS is about “development through a community organisation of buildings and land in Totnes – owned by those living and working in the area.” Part of that development includes the ATMOS project: an initiative to create jobs, affordable homes and community space – through a Community Right to Build Order – on the old Dairy Crest site in Totnes. Site plans and designs include an Energy Centre, which Tresoc are looking forward to being involved with.
