Want to learn more about reducing your energy costs and waste? Join us on October 29th at Totnes Civic Hall, from 12-5pm for our first Energy Wise event, where we’ll be exploring the ways and means of cutting costs, reducing energy use, as well as making long term changes.
With rising energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis, there’s never been a more pressing time to take matters into our own hands to reduce our energy consumption. You’ll hear from local energy projects in Totnes and south Devon who will be on hand to offer support and inspiration, as well as practical information from trained energy advisors.
We’ll be joined by Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) who will speak about their work investing in hydro, wind and solar power projects and how to get involved in Energy Local Clubs.
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.
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
See some of their top tips to reducing energy use below. Various other local organisations and groups will be joining us too, offering household energy advice, retrofit advice, regional support schemes, carbon saving tips, and more.
There’ll be information and help with smart meters, advice on the installation of energy saving measures, providers of home visits, heating control advice, support applying for discounts, plus the chance to share ideas and experiences with others.If you are concerned about the rising energy costs, uncertain about what support is available, want to know more about decreasing your energy use in general, come and find advice from a range of advisors, professionals, and local residents.
We hope to see you there - stay tuned for more information via our social media and website.
Can we reduce energy bills?
With uncertainty around energy prices, the only practical thing, and within reasonable control of most households, is to try to reduce energy bills. Here are a few ideas on how to do that with some potentially social, as well as economic benefits:
- Start a meal exchange with your neighbours – set a few days a week where you cook a meal and deliver it to them, and vice versa. This saves on time and energy, and if you eat it together even better.
- Share lifts to work or to school.
- Use sustainable transport where possible - get on yer bike!
- Share or co-ordinate shopping trips or deliveries.
- Turn off electrical equipment at the wall when not needed. Stand by modes still use a surprising amount of power.
- Avoid using the tumble dryer.
- Turn off lights.
- Don’t over fill the kettle.
- Consider insulation and draft proofing – depending on your circumstances you might be eligible for grants. Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
- Plan meals and cut down on food waste (children beware!).
Sat 1st Oct, 11am - 2pm at the Mansion, Totnes: Apple Pressing and Harvest Share Day. 11am - 2pm. Bring apples to press and harvest to share. Take away juice and veg for free! Celebrate the Gift Economy.
It's the Great Big Green Week from 24th September to 2nd October - the UK's biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
This week, the team behind the recently revamped Transition Streets programme (pictured) launched a Crowdfunder, to raise funds for the project so that it can benefit more people in Totnes, the South Hams, Devon and beyond.
Transition Town Totnes 