Author: Kate Royston

Great Big Green Week 2021

Great Big Green Week 2021

By Kate Royston

Great Big Green Week is all about local events taking place across the country as part of a national week to raise the profile of climate change and nature. Importantly, it’s to show why it is relevant to our community and to celebrate our local activity.

Across West Devon and the Tamar Valley we’re working with the West Devon Climate Forum, WDBC, Transition Tavistock, Tavistock Library and others to encourage individuals and communities to take part.

Moths to a Flame

As a unifying theme for Great Big Green Week in the Tamar Valley and West Devon, Art & Energy Collective, supported by Tamar Energy Community, invite groups to join in their inspiring Moths to a Flame project.

This involves hosting moth-making events or mini-installations where people can hang moths they’ve made (from milk bottles – instructions here!), before or during the week.

The installations will be collected up, during the first week in October, in plenty of time to be taken to Glasgow for a mass participation artwork to the COP26 climate summit. When you’re making your moths you can also record your messages and these will be shared online.

There are two online moth making sessions planned over the next few weeks, and subject to demand more could be added. It may be possible to arrange a session for specific groups as well subject to availability of team.

Once you’ve made your moths as a community, come together and hang them somewhere for everyone to see as part of a mini-installation.

On Saturday Sept. 18th we’ll be touring the area looking at your mini-installations and having conversations with you.

To let us know about your plans, get involved, find out more, seek support, offer help … please email hello@tamarenergycommunity.com.

This is an enjoyable opportunity for people to come together. We hope this can also provide a stepping stone to developing collective action to combat climate change across the area.

Other TEC Events during the week

The first of our evening supper talks will be on Thu. 23rd Sept at 19:00. The topic will be the importance of Whole House Retrofit. This first event will be via Zoom: ‘Retrofitting your home. What’s it all about?’. You can register here.

Meet us at Bedford Square, Tavistock on Saturday 25th September. We’ll be at the Farmers Market and look forward to discussing whole house retrofit with you between 09:00 and 14:00.

More events …

Transition Tavistock and Tavistock Library are planning a programme of displays and activities as well.

If you have an event, or ideas for an event please get in touch (see below) and/or sign up to get your own event on the map – anything from an open garden to a film showing. If your event is in West Devon, pick out “West Devon Green Week” from the drop-down list of area events to link to.

Transition Tavistock is aiming to pull together local publicity for Great Big Green Week activities in the Tavistock area. If you are running one, let us know on info[AT]transitiontavistock.org.uk by 6th September 2021, as well as listing it on the national site.

Vacancy: Home Energy Advisor Roles at TEC

Vacancy: Home Energy Advisor Roles at TEC

By Kate Royston

Looking for a new and exciting role, that not only helps local residents with energy efficiency issues but also tackles climate change at grass roots?

Community energy groups across Devon are expanding their domestic energy efficiency and retrofit services. Read on to learn more about flexible work opportunities.

The Role

Due to the success of home energy projects across Devon, and an increasing awareness around climate change and energy efficiency, community energy groups in Devon, including TEC, are seeking additional Home Energy Advisors (HEAs) to work on various existing and new projects. Immediate start date.

HEAs are required to provide tailored advice and support on a 1:1 basis, helping residents to cut costs and energy consumption and help make homes warmer. Work is carried out via telephone assessments and Home Energy Visits. Participation at drop-in energy advice clinics in the community, talks to community groups, training sessions with frontline workers and partnership building with key local organisations are other activities that make up this role.

This is a paid self-employed role with hours to suit the successful applicant’s needs and availability.

HEA’s play an important role in the overall aims and objectives of Devon’s Community Energy Groups, working as part of an innovative team, directly helping to improve the lives of those living in our local community, as well as promoting a low-carbon life style.

There will be opportunities to progress to ‘Retrofit’ roles for those interested in developing a long-term career in this industry.

The skills and requirements:

  • IT literate and own laptop or tablet
  • Have own vehicle/access to vehicle for carrying out visits
  • A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.
  • Enthusiasm, dedication to problem solving, and ability to build rapport with residents and colleagues in the community
  • A team player, able to work on own initiative with limited supervision
  • Have previous experience of working with the public
  • A caring and understanding approach and ability to show empathy
  • Excellent written and oral skills
  • Experience is preferred, but not essential, as training can be provided to the right candidate. A willingness to study and take a few exams would be required.

Full Role Specification is available on request. Download a pdf with this description here.

Tamar Energy Community (TEC) is a non-profit community energy organisation. We work across West Devon and S. East Cornwall. We’re an active member of the network of community energy groups in Devon, working closely with local authorities.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact Kate Royston, Director at TEC and Project Manager Warm & Well. kate@tamarenergycommunity.com. 0800 233 5414.

If you are interested in HEA positions elsewhere in Devon check out Devon Community Energy Network’s page here for vacancies.

Interim Devon Carbon Plan is published – please have your say

Interim Devon Carbon Plan is published – please have your say

By Kate Royston

The consultation of the Interim Devon Carbon Plan is now live! The plan is a collaborative roadmap to creating a net-zero Devon where people and nature thrive and is Devon’s response to the global climate emergency,

The time has now come for your chance to offer further thoughts and feedback. You are asked to take part in the Interim Devon Carbon Plan consultation, which lasts for 10 weeks until 15th Feb 2020.

Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) partnership wants to hear your views on key actions which outline some of the transformational changes which are required to create a thriving net-zero Devon.

You can also get involved in a series of Webinars looking at different aspects of the plan.

You can download the Webinar poster here and register for Webinars here.

The Interim Devon Carbon Plan will be updated to a final plan after the Citizens’ Assembly, now in 2021 due to Covid-19.

The actions cover a broad range of topics which will allow us to build back better. Addressing the climate and ecological emergency is an opportunity to create a fairer, healthier, more resilient and prosperous society.

DCE is requesting feedback from Devon’s citizens to indicate to what extent they agree with the proposed actions.

Have your say at www.devonclimateemergency.org.uk/interimcarbonplan or request a paper copy and consultation questionnaire from your local library from January 1st.

You can download a copy of the ‘Have Your Say’ poster here.

Are you looking for a role where you can make a real difference to the community and the planet?

By Kate Royston

We’re recruiting for a Project Coordinator to join our team.

We have a very exciting opportunity for a highly motivated self-employed person to join our team, but the catch is that you must start as a volunteer and secure funding for your own post. The post is then open for you to develop as you wish in accordance with our Aims and at the approval of our Board and Team. Hours are negotiable and can be on a part-time basis.

We have several projects underway for which we’d like some delivery support.

These include innovating to influence energy use through open data, developing a community owned renewable heating scheme, securing funding for fuel poverty projects, developing a retrofit advice programme, looking at opportunities to expand TEC’s renewable energy portfolio, developing community centred housing development and responding to relevant consultations.

Find out more by downloading the job spec here.

The closing date is 21st Dec 2020. Phone or zoom interviews will take place w/c 4th January 2021. The successful applicant will be notified by 18th January 2021, to start as soon as possible.

We are also, always, happy to hear from professionals/students in the community who want to get involved and/or gain experience in any of our projects or in helping us run the organisation (e.g. marketing, social media, website, finance, links to education).

We’re excited! Our Community Solar Share is now open

We’re excited! Our Community Solar Share is now open

By Kate Royston

On Sept 14th at Tamar Energy Community (TEC) we’ve launched our community share offer to raise £290,000 from the community to support our ‘Solar Roofs’ portfolio of renewable energy installations across the Tamar Valley.

There is a lot of interest in community investments at the moment, and this share offer will be marketed nationally from 28th September.To enable as much benefit as possible to be retained locally, anyone with an interest is encouraged to find out more between now and the 28th September.

The offer aims to raise £290,000 by 31 Oct 2020 to support TEC’s existing portfolio of community-owned rooftop solar arrays. These Solar Roofs are generating green energy from the sun, in and around the Tamar Valley. Any excess income is transferred to TEC’s community benefit fund which is used to help address energy efficiency and fuel poverty in the area. 

Launched today, the share offer provides an opportunity for co-ownership of the Solar Roofs portfolio, and receiving a fair return for your investment. You can find out more here or click on the image below.

From just £250 local people can support community-owned, low-carbon energy generation whilst targeting a financial return of up to 5%, subject to the risks set out in solar share offer document available here.

In 2016 and 2017, TEC installed six arrays of solar PV panels on the roofs of local schools and businesses in the area. These Solar Roofs generate over 250,000kWh of solar electricity per year – the equivalent to the annual energy demand of around 70 average UK

homes. What’s more, the electricity generated by the Solar Roofs is expected to displace over 230 tonnes of CO2 per year. 

Surplus income from the solar energy generated from the installations is reinvested into the community, through TEC’s community benefit fund.  This funding helps the disadvantaged in their community to tackle fuel poverty through energy efficiency and clean renewable energy initiatives.

It’s expected this surplus income will be over £200,000 in total over the next 18 years, with a projected minimum of £5,000 per year. TEC’s first round of community grants has already been deployed to local Energy Hardship Funds to provide support to households during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our community solar has enabled us to save 50 tonnes of CO₂ to date and provides an everyday example within the school of the benefits of renewable energy. We work with our pupils to encourage them to save energy and have a thriving Eco Committee.

We’ve been able to invest the savings on our energy bills into other areas of the school.”
“The community benefit contribution to our Hardship Fund is particularly welcome at this time” Pete Hamlyn, Headteacher, Carbeile Junior School, Torpoint.

Funds raised via the share offer will repay some of the existing loan funding that was secured to fund initial installation costs of the solar panels. Investors will be granted membership of TEC, giving them the opportunity to get involved in shareholder voting and having a say in the future running of the community.

Let’s localise energy

Power from the sun for a greener planet and local community benefit

A Helping Hand for Cold Homes

A Helping Hand for Cold Homes

By Kate Royston

Eligible residents, who are living without gas heating, are being offered the opportunity to benefit from free gas central heating for your home from West Devon Borough Council (WDBC).

The funding for Borough residents was gained last year from the Warm Home Fund and it is still available. WDBC and Tamar Energy Community (TEC) would really like to see eligible residents applying as soon as possible. The scheme is called Cosy and Warm.

Funding for a first time gas central heating system under this scheme comes from the Warm Home Fund and further funding from the Council together with contributions from SSE Energy Solution’s ECO fund (they are project managing the scheme) and Wales and West Utilities who manage the gas network. Wales and West will contribute by connecting properties to the gas network.

The Council would like to hear from residents who are struggling to pay heating bills and living in a cold home without a central heating system, but living close to the gas main.

Applications are welcome from owner occupiers and from the private rental sector, for households who do not have any central heating system (there is a £500 charge for landlords). Eligibility is dependent on the heating within the home, distance to the gas network and household income (homeowners or tenants must be under the household income threshold of £35,000 p.a.).

If you’re concerned aboout your heating and not sure if you qualify you can find out more here from WDBC. If you’d like to have a chat to someone about your energy needs and whether you may be eligible you can also call us at TEC on 0800-233-5414, email hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or check out this our web page.

Cold Calling Concerns, Home Energy Efficiency and Green Homes Grant

By Kate Royston

There are a growing number of reports of businesses claiming to represent West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) knocking on doors and offering home energy improvements. WDBC will never cold call.

One reason may be recent Government announcements about home improvements vouchers.

Our advice is that if any company cold calls or if they claim they work for ‘the council’ do not engage with them or allow them into your home.

The Green Homes Grant (voucher) scheme details are not yet clear. If you are interested in the scheme, we are inviting you to register your interest with us at Tamar Energy Community (TEC), and we will keep you informed. Working with our community energy colleagues and local authorities across Devon we will be putting together information. We plan to hold a webinar to share details and answer questions you may have. Check this link for more information.

We would also encourage anyone with concerns about your energy bills and/or keeping warm this winter to take steps early, before the weather starts to get cold. At TEC we offer free independent advice and support through our Warm and Well service We can also advise on the potential availability of grants for home energy measures. Find out more here.

Lockdown Interview by Links Magazines – Tamar Energy Community tells us about saving money

Lockdown Interview by Links Magazines – Tamar Energy Community tells us about saving money

By Kate Royston

We’d like to thank Tim Randall from Links Magazines for his time and attention in inviting Tamar Energy Community (TEC) to participate in Links Magazines series of Localdown Interviews.

Thanks also to Andy Coulson from our TEC team being up for the Zoom Lockdown interview.

Listen and watch here to find out more about:

  • how we, at TEC, have adapted our services to enable us to continue to work with you.
  • top tips for making your home energy efficient and the importance of taking time NOW to prepare for winter energy costs
  • our community energy projects designed to develop and generate energy locally and plough the profits back into the community
  • our forthcoming Community Share Offer
  • a welcome to anyone across the area with an interest in localising energy, particularly anyone with engineering, educational, social media or finance skills to get more involved. 

If you would like to get in touch you can email (hello@tamarenergycommunity.com) or give us a ring – 0800-233-5414.

 

 

Climate Emergency into Positive Action – Fri. 6th March 2020

Climate Emergency into Positive Action – Fri. 6th March 2020

By Kate Royston

When: Fri Mar 6th, 18:30 for 19:00

Where: Lower Deck Cafe, United Reforned Church, Russell Street, Tavistock. PL19 8BD

We had a great evening with 50 attendees. Thanks everyone for joining us and very many thanks to Blue Skies Catering for the wonderful vegan Jambalaya which we all enjoyed.

TEC AGM: Ran from 19:00 to 19:30. Minutes will be available in April 20

The event: Thanks to our speakers for the informative presentations and for the lively and positive discussions. We will share a summary and the presentations soon including:

  • Art and Energy – building community support – with Jenny Ayrton (Art & Energy CIC)
  • What’s West Devon Borough Council doing? How can we help? – Cllr. Neil Jory (Leader, WDBC)
  • Let’s hear from Tavistock Town Council – Lesley Crawford (TTC)
  • Communities and the smart energy revolution- Ky Hoare, Regen
  • The future of 21st century housing – fit for the future – Kate Royston (Tamar Energy Community)
  • Our Community Share Offer launching soon – TEC
  • What can I do? – All

The participation: We had a number of participatory activities including a “What can I do” board. We’ll be publishing this very soon.

Read more about the event and the topics here

Tamar Energy Community Annual General Meeting – Fri. 6th March 2020

Tamar Energy Community Annual General Meeting – Fri. 6th March 2020

By Kate Royston

Formal Notice of Tamar Energy Community’s Annual General Meeting … Friday 6th March 2020.

You are hereby notified that the Annual General Meeting of Tamar Energy Community will be held on Friday 6th March 2020 in the Lower Deck Cafe, United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock. PL19 8BD.

Refreshments will be available from 18:30. The formal proceedings will commence at 19:00.

Agenda:

  1. Welcome to Members
  2. Apologies for absence
  3. Minutes and matters arising from the previous AGM
  4. Presenting our Accounts and Reports of the Board
  5. The Application of Profits
  6. Resolution 1: To apply the audit exemption
  7. Election of the Board
  8. Any other business
  9. Date of next meeting

It would help us plan the event including refreshments and seating if you could let us know if you’re planning to attend (Email hello@tamarenergycommunity.com).

The formal agenda will be followed by our interactive event “Climate Emergency into Positive Action” including:

  • Art and Energy – building community support – with Naomi and Jenny (Art & Energy CIC)
  • What’s West Devon Borough Council doing?  How can we help? – Cllr. Neil Jory
  • Communities and the smart energy revolution- Regen (TBC)
  • The future of 21st century housing – Community ownership? – TBC
  • Our Community Share Offer launching soon – TEC
  • What can I do? – All

Close by 21:30 with time for chatting and refreshments