Author: Rhianna Goodyear

Community Energy and Great British Energy: Policy Commitments and Next Steps

By Rhianna Goodyear

On the 16th of September, the UK Government published its Statement of Strategic Priorities for Great British Energy (GBE), setting out the role of the new publicly owned energy company in delivering the Local Power Plan. This marks a significant moment for community energy, which is now positioned as a central part of the UK’s clean energy future.

GBE is tasked with working closely with local groups and councils to grow community energy across the country.

Key Commitments Include:

  • Partnering with community energy groups to develop new clean power projects
  • Launching a support service to guide planning and delivery
  • Providing grants, loans and joint ventures to kickstart local projects
  • Promoting shared ownership so communities benefit directly
  • Collaborating with devolved governments such as Ynni Cymru in Wales and CARES in Scotland

The message is clear: communities should share in the benefits of clean power, including lower energy bills, local jobs and stronger energy security.

GBE will work alongside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to deliver the Local Power Plan, which pledges up to £1 billion a year in support. This includes £400 million in low-interest loans for community-led projects and £600 million in grants to local authorities. The Labour Government’s manifesto promised to invite communities to come forward with their own energy projects and to work with local leaders and devolved governments to ensure that local people benefit directly from energy production.

By 2030, the Local Power Plan aims to deliver up to 8GW of new community-owned renewable energy, enough to power over 4 million homes. It also aims to support 20,000 new projects, create 1 million new energy owners and generate real economic, social and environmental benefits for communities across the UK.

GBE’s role will be to unlock the potential of the local and community energy pipeline, which has faced barriers including cost, capacity and capability constraints. In doing so, it will help build a more decentralised and resilient energy system, contributing to the UK’s energy security and net zero goals.

To support this, GBE is expected to:

  • Establish a specialist advisory service to provide technical, project planning and commercial support at all stages of development
  • Offer a cohesive package of financial support, including grants and loans for early-stage projects, joint ventures and equity partnerships
  • Promote shared ownership in existing and new renewable generation
  • Design its activities to complement existing schemes and work closely with devolved governments on matters of devolved competence

Next Steps

While the exact details of how these plans will support community energy are not yet clear, further information is anticipated soon. In the meantime, communities are encouraged to be having conversations about the potential for community-owned energy projects in their areas.

If you would like to have a chat about how your community can get involved or to find out more, please get in touch.

You can read more here

Community Energy State of the Sector 2025

Community Energy State of the Sector 2025

By Rhianna Goodyear

Community Energy England (CEE) has published its 2025 State of the Sector report, the most comprehensive review of community energy activity across the UK. Developed in partnership with Community Energy Wales and Community Energy Scotland, the report provides essential insights into the scale, impact and future potential of the sector.

Why It Matters

The report offers robust evidence to support policy development, investment and collaboration. It helps community energy organisations, local authorities and national stakeholders understand the sector’s contribution to climate action, energy resilience and social equity.

The 2025 edition draws on data submitted by over 400 community energy groups, building a clear picture of the sector’s achievements and challenges. It highlights the growing role of local energy initiatives in delivering clean power, reducing fuel poverty and strengthening communities.

Key facts and figures

  • Total community energy capacity: 349 MW across the UK, with 92% from solar PV
  • Carbon savings: Estimated 133,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided in 2024
  • Community benefit funds: £3.6 million distributed in 2024
  • Volunteer engagement: Over 3,000 volunteers involved in community energy projects
  • Energy efficiency and retrofit: 60 organisations active in retrofit and advice services
  • Education and outreach: 100+ groups delivering energy education and awareness programmes

Recommendations from the report

To unlock the full potential of community energy, CEE calls for:

  • Supportive policy frameworks: Including a national Community Energy Strategy and local authority mandates to collaborate with community groups
  • Access to the grid: Reforming grid connection processes and prioritising community-led projects
  • Long-term funding: Establishing stable, multi-year funding for development and innovation
  • Fair market access: Enabling community energy to participate in energy markets and flexibility services
  • Data transparency: Improving access to energy data to support planning and delivery

Ongoing Data Collection

CEE’s data portal remains open, allowing organisations to update or add new projects as they become active. This ensures the sector’s story continues to evolve and reflect real-time developments. You can access the data portal and find registration details here.

National Community Energy Map

All submitted data feeds into the National Community Energy Map, a powerful tool for visualising the reach and diversity of community energy across the UK. Get on the map here.

Download the full 2025 State of the Sector report here

For more information and to contribute data, visit the Community Energy England website.

Bere Peninsula Heat Pumps: Fact or Fiction and Thermal Imaging Camera Uses

Bere Peninsula Heat Pumps: Fact or Fiction and Thermal Imaging Camera Uses

By Rhianna Goodyear

Join us at Bere Alston Parish Hall on Saturday 13th September from 10:30 am for a morning of conversation about home energy efficiency and what we’ve learned from our thermal imaging camera scheme.

We will be sharing practical advice on how heat pumps work, what makes them efficient, and how to avoid poor installations. You will also hear from Dartmoor Energy and have the chance to explore how heat pumps are performing in real homes, including a review of a local installation.

If you took part in our thermal imaging camera scheme, we would welcome your reflections and the opportunity to discuss what you discovered and any actions you have taken since. We will be sharing community findings and exploring next steps. If you are interested in using the thermal imaging camera this coming season, you can request access at the event or by contacting us directly.

Whether you are looking to reduce energy costs, improve comfort at home, or better understand your options, this event offers a space to ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with others working towards a cosy, efficient and future-ready Bere Peninsula.

Interested in attending? No need to book—just come along on the day. Free entry and All welcome.

If you’re interested in getting involved and are unable to come along on Saturday 13th September, please get in touch with us via email at hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or give us a call on 0800 233 5414 referencing ‘Bere Peninsula Energy Advice’.

Or sign up to our newsletter here for updates on future events, retrofit advice, and community energy news.

Top Tips For Keeping Cool This Summer

Top Tips For Keeping Cool This Summer

By Rhianna Goodyear

With summer temperatures rising, here are some practical ways to stay cool and manage your energy use effectively.

Cooling Appliances and What They May Cost

  • Fans (desktop, tower, pedestal): Cost between £0.15–£0.31 per day. They help cool you by moving air across your skin. USB desk fans are a low-cost option.
  • Evaporative Air Coolers: Cost around £0.28–£0.40 per day. These use water to cool the air and are more efficient than air conditioning units.
  • Portable Air Conditioning Units: Significantly more expensive at £4.84–£6 per day and produce higher carbon emissions. To maximise effectiveness, keep doors closed and unplug when not in use.

Top Tip – More expensive tower, desktop and pedestal fans aren’t always more energy efficient or cheaper to run than lower-cost models. Bladeless fans, which are usually the priciest, tend to have similar running costs to standard designs.

Figures from Energy Saving Trust

Home Improvements That Can Help

Insulation

Insulation helps keep your home comfortable throughout the year by trapping heat inside during winter and keeping it out during summer. Loft, wall and floor insulation can make a noticeable difference to energy efficiency and heating costs.

In the UK, the recommended minimum thickness for loft insulation is 270 mm when using mineral wool or similar materials. For rigid foam insulation in walls or floors, typical thickness ranges from 100 to 150 mm depending on the material and the level of thermal performance needed.

Solar Film

Adding solar control film to your windows can help reduce the amount of heat caused by sunlight passing through the glass. Costs will vary depending on the type of film you choose and the size and number of windows you want to cover.

If you decide not to treat all your windows, prioritise those that receive the most sunlight. These are usually south-facing windows or those in rooms that tend to get the warmest.

Free Ways to Stay Cool

Cross Ventilation

Encourage airflow by opening windows or vents on opposite sides of your home. This draws cooler air in and pushes warm air out. For best results, open windows in the early morning or late evening, keep internal doors open, and use a fan near a window to help direct airflow. This free, energy-saving method also improves indoor air quality, helping reduce damp and mould.

Close Blinds and Curtains

Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially when the sun is shining directly through the windows. This helps block out solar heat and prevents indoor temperatures from rising. Light-coloured or reflective linings can enhance this effect by bouncing sunlight away from your home. For rooms that get particularly warm, consider using thermal or blackout curtains to further reduce heat gain.

If you have any concerns or questions get in touch here.

Pete’s Retrofit Journey

Pete’s Retrofit Journey

By Rhianna Goodyear
This video was filmed as part of the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) project. Led by PEC as part of a consortium of community energy organisations across Devon and Cornwall. This project supported local households to improve the comfort of their homes and save on energy bills by increasing energy efficiency.

Pete had purchased a 1970s bungalow about 5 years ago that had seen better days. The property was cold, and its outdated gas boiler was both noisy and inefficient. With a growing need for more space and a strong family awareness of environmental issues, Pete set out to upgrade the home. But he quickly realised that navigating retrofit options was anything but straightforward.

Finding Trusted Advice

Conflicting opinions online and sales-driven pitches from commercial installers left Pete confused. He wasn’t looking for just another quote; he needed the full picture. That’s when he spotted an advert for a local talk hosted by, South Dartmoor Community Energy (SDCE) with whom we work closely and decided to attend.

Pete realised he didn’t have to figure it all out alone. He received a free and impartial retrofit advice visit from one of SDCE’s home energy advisors. They provided Pete with expert guidance on how to improve his home’s energy efficiency. Their advice helped clarify the retrofit process and provided both reassurance and practical direction.

A Bespoke Plan

SDCE referred Pete to Dartmoor Energy, a trusted retrofit specialist we work closely alongside. Using the property’s architectural plans, they carried out full room-by-room heat loss calculations and designed a bespoke whole-house plan for the property.

This included an air-source heat pump system linking in with underfloor heating, good levels of insulation throughout the property and solar roof tiles, carefully planned around the larger dormer extension to maximise available space.

Home Comfort

The result was a whole house retrofit built with precision. Pete now enjoys reliable warm indoor temperatures, lower running costs, and reduced CO₂ emissions. Even in winter, the home generates enough solar energy to power the system, eliminating the need to buy fossil fuels. Beyond improving day-to-day comfort, the transformation has inspired Pete’s friends to begin exploring their own retrofit journeys.

Pete’s Advice

“Get the right advice from the right people. By that, I mean community energy organisations like South Dartmoor Community Energy, people who aren’t trying to sell you something. Then go out and find what you need to deliver that system.”

Ready to Start Your Retrofit Journey?

If you’re thinking about improving your home’s energy efficiency or just need some guidance along the way, we’re here to help. Explore Retrofit Made Easy to see how we can support you from start to finish.

Want to see what’s possible? Discover a TEC client’s inspiring retrofit journey here and learn how expert advice and support made all the difference.

Contact Us

Community Energy Fortnight

Community Energy Fortnight

By Rhianna Goodyear

From 1st to 14th July, we’re celebrating Community Energy Fortnight. A UK-wide campaign that shines a light on the power of local energy action, supported by Community Energy England.

This year’s theme, Investing in Community Energy, calls for long-term support for local projects that reduce energy bills, cut emissions, and help communities thrive.

Here in West Devon and the Tamar Valley, we’re proud to be part of this national movement. From thermal imaging and retrofit advice to our Community Rooftop Solar which generates clean, local energy for the benefit of the community, we’re showing how practical investment of time, funding and collaboration leads to real, lasting change.

Here’s what we’ve got planned;

  • 🟢 Library Display – Where: Tavistock Library When: Now until Sunday 14 July What: Discover tips for saving energy, explore retrofit guidance and learn how you can get involved.
  • ☕ TASS Café Drop-in – Where: A East End Stores, Pannier Market, East Tavistock, PL19 0AL When: Thursday 11 July, 10:00 to 12:00 What: Have a relaxed chat with one of our Home Energy Advisors about practical ways to improve home energy efficiency.
  • 💚Community Links Mental Health Monday – Where: Church Hall, Okehampton, EX20 1AA When: Sunday 14 July, 10:00 to 13:00 What: We will be bringing resources and friendly energy advice to this community event.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to dive in, we’d love to see you during the Community Energy Fortnight.

For more information or to find out how you can get involved wherever you live (in England), visit Community Energy England.

To stay up to date with what we’re doing throughout the fortnight, follow TEC on Facebook where we’ll be sharing energy-saving tips and practical advice.

Energy Price Cap Update: July to September 2025

Energy Price Cap Update: July to September 2025

By Rhianna Goodyear

Price cap falls by 7%:
Ofgem has announced a 7% reduction in the energy price cap for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025. This brings the annual cost for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit down to £1,720.

What is the Energy Price Cap?
The energy price cap limits how much suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill, which depends on how much energy you use. The cap helps protect households from being charged excessively high rates.

If you are on a fixed tariff, this change will not affect your bill.

You can use the Money Saving Expert Energy Price Cap Calculator to see how the new cap might impact your household.

Should you consider switching?
Bills remain higher than this time last year. Some fixed deals are currently 15-18% cheaper than the new cap, so it may be worth exploring your options.

Things to consider before switching

  • Exit fees: Check your current tariff for any penalties
  • Customer service: Look at supplier ratings and reviews
  • Household usage: Consider whether your energy use is high or low
  • Current supplier rates: Ask if they can offer a better deal

Take a meter reading
If you are on a standard variable tariff and do not have a smart meter, submit a meter reading before 1 July. This ensures you are not charged the higher rate for energy used after the new cap takes effect. If you are on an Economy 7 tariff, remember to take both day and night readings.

If you need help with switching suppliers or energy related advice then please get in touch here.

Sampford Courtenay Grand Summer Fete: Join Us For Energy & Retrofit advice

By Rhianna Goodyear

Join us at Sampford Courtenay’s Grand Summer Fete on 29 June from 14:30 for an afternoon of conversation about practical ways to improve home energy efficiency and reduce costs. 

We will be on hand to share advice on retrofit measures and energy-saving strategies to help households stay cosy, efficient, and future-ready. 

If you were involved in our thermal imaging camera scheme, we would love to hear about your experience and explore how we can support you with the next steps. If you are interested in using the thermal imaging camera next season, you will have the chance to request access. 

Alongside our stall, enjoy all the fantastic offerings at the fete, including Devon Cream Teas, a Bar, Raffle, Ice Creams, a Cake Stall, Family Games, a Craft Stall, a Teddy Hunt, Tombola, Wellie Throwing, and much more! 

Come for the festivities, stay for the conversation, and bring your questions, experiences, and ideas as we work towards a cosy, efficient, and future-ready Sampford Courtenay. 

Find all the details for the fete on the Sampford Courtenay Village Hall website or check out their Facebook Page.

If you’re interested in getting involved and are unable to come along on Sun. June 29th please get in touch with us by email at hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or give us a call on 0800 233 5414 referencing ‘Sampford Courtenay EnergyAdvice’  

No Mow May

No Mow May

By Rhianna Goodyear

What is No Mow May?

Plantlife, the wild plant conservation charity, started the No Mow May campaign in 2019 to encourage garden owners to put their mower away during May and let wildflowers grow and support biodiversity.

Why do we need No Mow May?

The UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s, removing a vital food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. A healthy lawn with longer grass and wildflowers can help reduce pollution, support wildlife, and can even lock away carbon underground. There are more than 20 million gardens in the UK, so even the smallest grassy patches can add up and deliver enormous gains for nature, people and the climate.

Allowing grass to grow longer and encouraging wildflowers to flourish can significantly boost biodiversity. Pollinating insects such as hoverflies, bees, and butterflies benefit from the nectar-rich plants, while birds and small mammals rely on them for food and shelter. No Mow May participants have observed nearly 100 species of pollinators thriving in their lawns, proving that small changes in gardening habits can have a meaningful impact on local ecosystems.

How to get involved?

Click here to join the movement and you’ll receive tips, guides and badges while helping Plantlife track how many people and lawns are taking part in No Mow May. 
Visit their website to download free posters, colouring sheets, and lawn signs, and share your journey using #NoMowMay on social media.

Naturally Healthy May

Naturally Healthy May

By Rhianna Goodyear

Celebrate Naturally Healthy May

May is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.

Led by Active Devon and Devon County Council on behalf of the Devon Local Nature Partnership, Naturally Healthy May is all about encouraging people to get active outside and improve their health and wellbeing through nature.

Time spent outdoors can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote physical health. As we step into spring, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors. Whether you’re walking in your local park, cycling through the countryside, gardening, or simply listening to birdsong in the early morning, there are countless ways to connect with nature and experience its positive effects.

Time spent outdoors can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote physical health. As we step into spring, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors. Whether you’re walking in your local park, cycling through the countryside, gardening, or simply listening to birdsong in the early morning, there are countless ways to connect with nature and experience its positive effects.

Find out more!

For inspiration and ideas on how to get started with Naturally Healthy May:

Let’s make the most of this season by stepping outside and embracing the naturally healthy way!