Community Energy Fortnight

Community Energy Fortnight

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 DisplayWhere: 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-inWhere: 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 MondayWhere: 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

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

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’  

Sheepstor Community Energy: Thermal Imaging Camera Insights and Next Steps for the Community 

Join us at Sheepstor Village Hall on 19th June at 19:30 for an evening of reflection and discussion on the Thermal Imaging Camera Scheme. We will share findings and explore next steps. We will also be exploring opportunities for a community-driven approach to energy in Sheepstor. 

Discover insights from the scheme, including how householders participated and what was learned.  

We will also discuss practical steps the village can take to improve home and community energy efficiency while reducing costs. 

There will also be an opportunity to request use of the thermal imaging camera next season. 

Enjoy refreshments and a chance to connect with others in the community before diving into the evening’s discussions. Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions, experiences, and ideas as we work towards a cosy, efficient, and future-ready Sheepstor. 

What is Community Energy? 

Community energy is a way for local people to take control of their energy use and supply by generating, sharing, and managing renewable energy and energy use within their area. It helps reduce reliance on large utility companies, can keep energy costs lower and retain more money within the local economy, and supports sustainability. 

How does it work?  

Local energy clubs take this idea further by allowing householders to buy and sell excess energy within their community at a fairer rate. Instead of surplus energy going back to the grid, it stays local, benefiting members with lower costs and encouraging renewable energy use. These clubs create a more resilient and affordable energy system while keeping profits within the community. 

Here’s an example of a local energy club which has recently (Tuesday 3rd June 25) been on the BBC One Show: https://tresoc.co.uk/project/energy-local-totnes/ 

If you’re interested in getting involved and are unable to join us on Th. June 19th please get in touch with us by email at hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or give us a call on 0800 233 5414 referencing ‘Sheepstor Community Energy’ 

No Mow May

No Mow May

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

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.

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!

Getting Ready for the Radio Teleswitch Service Switch Over

Getting Ready for the Radio Teleswitch Service Switch Over

The technology that switches some older meters from peak to off-peak price is coming to an end soon. After the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) or Dynamically Teleswitched (DTS) ends, your meter’s timings might not work as expected and your heating and hot water supply could be affected. 

On 30th of June 2025, the RTS and DTS service will come to an end. These changes are industry-wide and will affect both domestic and business customers. This is because the radio frequency these meters use to switch between peak and off-peak rates is being switched off.

Your supplier should contact you to arrange an upgrade to a smart meter before this deadline. You won’t have to pay for the replacement meter.

Find out if you have an RTS meter

You may have an RTS/DTS meter if:

  • Your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it
  • Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters
  • There is no gas supply to your area, including households in rural areas and high-rise flats
  • You get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff

Get in touch with your electricity supplier if you’re still not sure which meter is in your home.

Explore These Helpful Resources:

If you’re still unsure or need tailored advice, please feel free to contact us for support.

A Family Home’s Heat Pump Journey

A Family Home’s Heat Pump Journey

When Rob’s LPG boiler showed signs of failure, he and his family faced a choice: replace it with another LPG system or explore alternative heating and hot water options.

Their 1860s stone cottage in Lydford, Devon, with a 1970s and more recent extensions, had always presented heating challenges, and previous experiences with LPG had left them wanting change. For Rob and his wife, who both work from home several days a week, along with their young children, having reliable heating was essential.

“We had struggled with volatile pricing and supply issues with LPG. During the Beast from the East in 2018, we ran out of gas when it was obviously very cold – that was a nightmare. It happened another time too, so I was getting a bit nervous about it. Rather than spend quite a bit on a new LPG boiler, we wanted to see what else we could do.”

When Rob’s mother-in-law, through her parish council work, mentioned their local community energy organisation, it opened up new possibilities. Despite previously receiving discouraging responses about heat pumps – one installer had dismissed the idea with a blunt ‘it’s an old house’ – Rob decided to seek expert advice. 

Rob received an initial consultation with an experienced local energy advisor, followed by a comprehensive whole house survey. The detailed assessment revealed that not only was a heat pump possible, but with some targeted improvements, it could work very effectively and could even save them money on their energy bills. 

The whole house survey proved invaluable in helping Rob’s family to make their decisions.

The report covered:

  • Detailed heat loss calculations
  • Radiator assessments
  • Air tightness testing
  • Specific recommendations for their property
  • Cost comparisons with alternative heating systems

“The survey showed us how effective different types of retrofit work might be, and what the likely cost would be; things like how long the return on investment might be compared to other sources we could have had, like oil or LPG. That was really helpful.”

Rob also valued the support he received after the whole house survey, including a follow-up call with the Retrofit Assessor to go through the findings and recommendations. 

“They talked us through all the different options and helped us decide on the next steps to take, as well as signposting us to local installers who could do the work. The final cost actually ended up being slightly cheaper than the initial estimate in the survey, which was an added bonus!” 

The family decided to proceed with:

  • Air source heat pump installation
  • Hot water cylinder replacement
  • Two new radiators (most existing ones were suitable for the new system, which was a welcome surprise for Rob)
  • Cavity wall insulation in the 1970s extension

“We knew we weren’t going to do all of it at once, but the survey covers lots of things so it’s handy to refer back to – it made it very clear what our options are so we could make sound decisions now and in the future.” 

The improvements have made a significant difference to daily life. The most notable change has been the consistency of heating throughout the house.

The family has also noticed improvements in the home’s damp issues, particularly in their living room. They now benefit from more even heating and better ventilation, creating a healthier living environment. It is also more efficient than the LPG boiler, providing more than than 3 units of heat for each unit of power it uses to run.

The costs of running the heat pump are comparable to the LPG boiler, but without the concern over the volatility of prices and supply.

“Our energy costs are certainly comparable, if not a little cheaper, and it’s good to know that it’s green energy that’s heating our home. We would also like to add solar panels at some point in the future.” 

Rob’s experience shows how expert retrofit advice and in-depth assessment can open up possibilities that otherwise might be dismissed.

Despite initial skepticism about heat pumps in older properties, the right approach and supporting improvements have created a comfortable, reliable heating system for this family home.

Rob is already thinking about future improvements to enhance what they have already achieved. Solar panels with battery storage remain a possibility for the future, and the family is exploring options for better draught proofing around doors and ventilation improvements. 

“We used to feel a difference in temperature going from room to room, whereas now it’s just completely constant throughout. It just makes the house feel more comfortable.”

Thermal Imaging Camera Scheme

West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) working in partnership with Tamar Energy Community (TEC) is offering its communities the chance to use thermal imaging cameras to analyse homes across West Devon and see how they could be more energy efficient. 

As part of WDBC’s commitment to help reduce carbon emissions across West Devon, and help people improve the energy efficiencies of their homes, four thermal imaging cameras are available for use on a free to borrow basis for Town and Parish Councils or Community Groups.

 

The ‘point and shoot’ camera can provide you with a thermal image of a home or building. The image can then be used to identify potential improvements, such as requirements for insulation and draught proofing within your home to improve your energy efficiency, as well as to reduce heat loss and fuel bills.

WDBC will be providing an opportunity for up to 8 communities to use the council’s thermal imaging cameras (TICs) between 6 December and 31 March.

Kate Royston, Tamar Energy Community Director and Energy Advisor, said: “We’re delighted to be working with West Devon Borough Council on this project, and are looking forward to helping communities across West Devon understand what can be done to help make homes cosy, efficient and future-ready.

“Retrofitting a property is a journey. Using a thermal imaging camera is just one diagnostic tool we can use to look at a home and find where we can make efficiencies; we’re always happy to help anyone in West Devon and the Tamar Valley take the first step in that journey.”

The Council is looking to support an “energy champion” in the communities that take part, who will lead on using a thermal imaging camera in their town, village or area.

Tamar Energy Community will provide each community that signs up with an introductory talk to the community about retrofitting, highlighting important things to consider; and a follow up clinic to discuss and share results as a community.

To find out if you meet the criteria click here and you can apply today, or you can check out the article written by the BBC here.

Tamar Energy Fest – Sat Nov 9th

Tamar Energy Fest – Sat Nov 9th

Tamar Energy Community (TEC) has been hosting the annual Tamar Energy Fest since 2012, and this year we look forward to welcoming you to Butchers’ Hall in Tavistock on Saturday 9th November from 10:00 until 15:00. Do pop in and see us!

Our theme this year is “Cosy, Efficient, and Future-Ready”. We’re focused on supporting you with practical strategies for retrofitting homes to enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and resilience against rising energy costs and climate change.

With free entry, there’s plenty to interest you if you’re concerned about the climate and biodiversity emergency, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency—or simply looking to lower your bills.

Free, impartial advice will be available from our knowledgeable experts and exhibitors on retrofitting, energy management and more. You’ll also find information stalls, and interactive displays offering insights into effective strategies for reducing energy consumption and making informed home improvement decisions.

Our exhibitors will include Dartmoor Energy, NEA (National Energy Action), South West Water, Bramhill Builders, Fell Partnership, Kensa Heat Pumps and Metalectrique. We’re also being joined by Devon Wildlife Trust, Tavy Rail, Tamar Valley National Landscape, Tavistock Library and Transition Tavistock.

Whether you’re interested in implementing small changes or undertaking larger projects, Tamar Energy Fest provides a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with others committed to a sustainable future.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Find out more here.