Cheaper, greener electricity – made in Totnes

Energy Local Totnes is a community-driven club that enables households and small businesses to source affordable, locally generated green electricity. By aligning electricity consumption with local solar and hydro generation, it’s estimated that club members could reduce their electricity bills by 10% to 30%.

The initiative is a collaboration between Energy Local CIC, Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) and energy supplier 100Green, and is the first Energy Local club to be scalable, with more consumers able to join as generation capacity increases. The club’s long-term goal is to lift local people out of fuel poverty via low-cost green electricity – with a model that can then be replicated in other communities.

Currently, the club utilises electricity from the 330kW hydro plant on Totnes Weir and plans to integrate local solar PV electricity. Local solar generators are invited to join the club, offering a unique opportunity to sell surplus power at competitive rates, thereby contributing to a resilient and sustainable energy system in Totnes. 

Energy Local Totnes is now seeking 200 founding members who want to make the most of the resources on our doorstep – as a consumer, a generator or both. To join, potential members must have a smart meter (or be prepared to have one fitted) and be located within the Totnes Electricity Substation area (see map below).

If you’d like to become a founding member, please visit www.tresoc.co.uk/elt to learn more, or talk with an Energy Local advisor at Totnes Market Square on Friday 24th January, Friday 14th February or Saturday 22nd March.