Community energy has never seemed so attractive. It is a way for people to take control of their local renewable energy resources, increase local resilience, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and support the local economy. In doing so, we can enhance community cohesion and tackle fuel poverty and with rising energy bills this autumn, we need this now more than ever.
Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) is one of many Devon based renewable energy companies, owned and operated by the local community. It raises money to develop energy projects through a community share-offer, which ensures that any profits are kept within the local economy. For more information, visit our website www.tresoc.co.uk, or for your local group visit www.devoncommnunityenergy.org.uk.
TRESOC currently has a grant from Devon County Council (Team Devon’s COVID -19 Economic Recovery and Business Prospectus Funding) to establish an Energy Local Club to sell locally generated renewable electricity to local people at a reduced price, effectively establishing Totnes’ own renewable energy marketplace. Within an Energy Local Club (ELC), households and small businesses pay a lower price for electricity if they use the renewable energy from local generators, when it is generated; the customer pays less, and the generator receives more (contrary to belief, small generators, such as TRESOC are not receiving windfall prices for the electricity they produce). TRESOC is working with Energy Local CIC to develop the project. Energy Local have 12 community projects across England and Wales, all helping to reduce the price of electricity for local people.
At the national level, Power to the People is campaigning for the Local Electricity Bill, which if made law, would enable community energy groups to sell renewable electricity directly to local people. For more information and to sign the petition, go to their website: powerforpeople.org.uk
Energy price hikes next month will make this a harsh winter for many. We’ve got tips to help.
Pictured: Sally Murrall-Smith, TRESOC Operations Director
